Ideas that shape American Politics
What are the eight key ideas that shape or guide American politics?
Liberty, self-rule, limited government, individualism, the American dream, equality, religion, and diversity
The Articles of Confederation had many powers and limitations. What were some of those pros and cons?
Pros:
Make war and peace, Voting rights and changes, Enter treaties and alliances, coin money, Regulate Indian affairs
Cons
Could not raise taxes, Restricted National Government, No president, No judiciary, Shay’s Rebellion. Foreign Treaties
What is Federalism?
A political system in which the government is divided between national and state governments.
After declaring independence, the 13 former colonies joined together as independent states under a weak central government while each state retained most of its own sovereign authority.
What is a Confederation?
Who wrote Federalist No. 10 or Publius No. 10?
James Madison
This system of self-government gives citizens ultimate political authority, but they exercise that power indirectly by choosing officials to make laws and govern on their behalf.
What is a Republic?
Separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism, and supremacy clauses are examples of these foundational ideas used to organize and limit government power.
What are Constitutional Principles?
Define the three systems of government
Unitary - Total Central Govt control
Federal - power divided between central and state governments
Confederate - total state control
What are the two main approaches to interpreting the Constitution, with one focusing on its original meaning and the other focusing on practical needs and modern circumstances?
Originalism and pragmatism.
How many states participated in the 1787 Constitutional Convention, and which state chose not to send delegates?
12, Rhode Island
The belief that the United States is unique from other nations because of its distinctive history, political ideals, and national identity.
What is American Exceptionalism?
Which compromise resolved the dispute between large and small states over representation by creating a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation?
The Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise)
Which constitutional clause gives Congress the power to make laws needed to carry out its other constitutional powers?
Necessary and Proper Clause
Which uprising in Massachusetts exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and increased support for a stronger national government was needed?
Shays’ Rebellion
Define bicameral and unicameral
Bicameral - legislature with two chambers or houses.
Congress has the House of Representatives and Senate.
Unicameral - A legislature with one chamber or house.
American politics can be explained through four major theories of how power is distributed and exercised. Name and Define all Four
pluralist, elite, bureaucratic, and social movement theories
Ppl influence gov though interest groups that fight for what ppl believe in ex labor unions or civil rights activists
Power rests in the hands of a small number of wealthy and powerful ppl
Power lies with millions of men and women who example federal employees. Power is influenced heavily by government bureaucracies and the officials who run them.
What is the Virginia Plan?
James Madison outlined a strong national government with three branches and proportional representation based on population
Dual Federalism vs. Cooperative Federalism ( Think of the CAKE ANALOGY)
Dual: keeps both national and federal govts separates with each having separate powers and operate independently.
Cooperative: state and national govts work together and share responsibilities.
Congress originally proposed 12 amendments in 1789, but how many were ratified in 1791 to become the Bill of Rights?
10 Amendments
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Federalism?
Advantages - Competition, laboratories of democracy
Disadvantages - Coordination and Responsibility
How do populists and libertarians differ in their views of government and political power?
Populists believe the rich and powerful have taken control of government and want government to serve ordinary people, while libertarians emphasize negative liberty and want government kept as small as possible.
the difference between liberals, conservatives and populist all is their different views or disagree of government is ought to do
During the debate over ratifying the Constitution, what did the Federalists call for, and what did the Anti-Federalists call for?
Federalists wanted a stronger national government and supported the Constitution to replace articles of confederation.
Anti-Federalists wanted more power for the states (strong state govt) and stronger protections for individual rights.
What are the three types of powers that include powers belonging naturally to the national government, powers suggested by the Constitution, and powers left to the states?
Inherent, implied, and reserved powers.
What were the main controversies discussed during the Constitutional Convention?
Strength of the national government
Protecting individuals’ rights
Southern states versus Northern states (slavery)
Three-Fifths compromise
Large states versus small states (representation)
VA Plan
NJ Plan
CT Compromise
Name all of the Components of the Constitution
Article I - Legislative Branch
Article II -Executive Branch
Article III - Judicial Branch
Article IV - Relations Among the States
Article V - Amendment Process
Article VI- Supremacy Clause
Article VII - Ratification
27 Amendments