Guards Against Tyranny
According to James Madison, tyranny happens when...
All powers are gathered in the same hands (one person, a few, or many).
In Document A, what does "double security" mean in federalism?
National government and states check/limit each other.
What best describes a limited government?
A government whose powers are restricted by a constitution or laws.
What made the Magna Carta (1215) important?
Forced King John to agree that even the king must follow the law.
Biggest advantage of a good credit score?
Borrow money at lower interest rates.
What are the FOUR main ways the Constitution guards against tyranny?
Federalism, Separation of powers, Checks and balances, Great Compromise (bicameral Congress)
What problem did the Great Compromise solve?
Dispute between big and small states over representation (prevented big states from dominating).
Unlimited government is most associated with what type of ruler?
Absolute monarch or dictator.
Which document influenced the U.S. Bill of Rights with specific rights like freedom of speech?
English Bill of Rights
Which most likely hurts your credit score?
Using more than 30% of available credit (or late payments).
Using Madison's quote, explain how separation of powers guards against tyranny.
Prevents the "accumulation of all powers" in the same hands by dividing government into three separate branches.
In Document D, how does the Great Compromise set up representation in Congress?
House based on population; Senate gives 2 senators per state.
Give a real-world example of a limited government.
United States (or any constitutional democracy).
What early idea does the Mayflower Compact (1620) represent?
Self-government; power from the consent of the governed.
Difference between a credit card and debit card (which affects credit score?).
Credit: borrows money, affects score (payment history); Debit: your money, no effect.
Give a specific example of how checks and balances work (e.g., from Document C).
Examples: President vetoes a bill; Congress overrides veto; Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional.
How does the Great Compromise guard against tyranny?
Makes sure big states cannot completely control small states (or vice versa) in Congress.
Give a real-world example of an unlimited government.
North Korea, historical absolute monarchies, dictatorships.
Describe Hobbes' "state of nature" and why he says people need strong government.
Life nasty, brutish, short—constant war/fear; need strong government for security/order.
Main purpose of Social Security tax?
Funds retirement benefits/income for seniors (and disabled).
Which is NOT one of the four main ways the Constitution guards against tyranny?
Direct Democracy
Name TWO powers given ONLY to the national government (from Document A chart).
Examples: Declare war, coin money, conduct foreign relations, provide army/navy.
Explain the main difference between limited and unlimited government (short answer).
Limited: Power restricted by laws/constitution; Unlimited: Ruler has absolute power with no restrictions.
One key difference between Hobbes' ideas and limited government (U.S./Magna Carta).
Hobbes favored strong/unlimited government; U.S./Magna Carta limit power to protect rights/rule of law.
Explain federal income tax and why some get refunds while others owe more.
Tax on income, funds government (e.g., defense, roads); Refund = over-withheld; Owe = under-withheld.