Chapter 1
The Enlightenment idea of separation of powers was developed by ______________________.
Baron de Montesquieu
What was the first document that established self-government by creating a direct democracy in the colonies?
Mayflower Compact
John Locke’s theory of ____________guaranteed that all individuals are entitled to basic rights such as life, liberty, and property.
Natural Rights
List the arguments the Anti-Federalists used to against ratifying the Constitution.
No Bill of Rights, Central Gov’t too strong,
What is a plank?
A specific issue that is a part of a parties’ or candidates platform.
John Locke’s theory that certain truths in society come from and are governed by nature is known as the theory of __________.
Natural Law
This pamphlet was used to persuade members of the Second Continental Congress and justified the ideals and reasons for independence from Great Britain.
Common Sense
Which document outlined the first form of government for the United States? Which system of government did this document create?
Articles of Confederation; a confederal system (where there is no central government)
17. A legal member of a country is a _______________.
Citizen
What is a platform?
The group of issues that candidate campaigns on or that a party supports.
Describe John Locke’s theory of social contract.
People give some of their rights to the government in order to have better lives, more liberty and safe property and the gov’t must take care of the people.
Give specific examples of colonial responses to English policies.
Boston Tea Party, boycott, protest. literature
List some of the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Central Gov’t was too weak, Document was inflexible and could not be changed, no national currency, no ability to raise federal revenue…
Name the two ways a person can become a U.S. citizen.
Birth (Natural Born) and Naturalization
Give an example of media informing the public about government.
Answers will vary. Ex. A newspaper reports the details about a bill.
This document guaranteed that not even the king or queen was above the law.
Magna Carta
What concerns of the colonists’ led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence?
Taxation without representation, forced quartering, violation of basic rights, etc.
What is the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?
It introduces the goals and concepts outlined in the Constitution and reinforces the principle of Consent of the Governed.
List the steps in the naturalization process
Sign the Declaration of Intent, Apply for a permanent residency Visa (Green Card), Apply for Citizenship, Get finger-printed (Background Check), Interview with U.S.C.I.S and pass citizenship test, and take the Oath of Allegiance
Give an example of how an individual can influence government.
Answers will vary. Ex. Write a letter expressing a concern to a county commissioner, voting in elections
Explain the significance of the English Bill of Rights on the development of the U.S. Constitution.
It established the thought that individual rights should be listed and protected; principle that gov’t is limited
What were the main complaints/arguments against Britain in the Declaration of Independence?
The colonists felt that England was not protecting their rights, taxing without representation, and lack of government by the consent of the people
What was the main argument the Federalists used to support the ratification of the Constitution?
The need for a stronger Central Gov’t
What are the major differences between Democrats and Republicans?
Varies (i.e., Democrats: Gov’t support of social welfare programs
Republicans: Limited gov’t role in business)
Give an example of how interest groups can influence government.
Answers will vary. Ex. An interest group can endorse a candidate for election.