Unit 1.1 Democracy
Are individual freedoms absolute (No limit)?
No, individuals have the right to exercise their freedom, that right ends when it infringes upon the rights or well-being of others.
Individuals that were against the ratification of the Constitution are considered... Federalists or Anti-Federalists.
Anti-Federalists
What is the main purpose of the Executive Branch?
To enforce the laws that the legislators create, and the rulings made by the judicial branch.
The ability to establish public education/schools are not a concurrent power. Which level of government is primarily responsible for the public education system?
State Governments
Explain the idea of Checks and Balances.
Checks and balances is a system of government that ensures no single branch or entity has too much power. It involves a separation of powers among different branches, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and allows each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others.
Explain the principle of popular sovereignty?
Popular Sovereignty- the government represent the will of the people, you rule because we let you rule. "Consent of the governed".
What were the demographics of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention?
All Property-Owning White Males
Why was the Bill of Rights included in the Constitution?
The inclusion of the Bill of Rights was a compromise made during the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, as some of the Founding Fathers believed that the original Constitution did not provide sufficient protection for individual rights. Legacy of the Anti-federalists.
Briefly explain what a concurrent power is.
Both the National (federal) government and the states have power/authority.
Example- Both the Federal Government and State Government can tax.
What are some of the key characteristics of the confederate form of government?
States have more power, national government gets power from the states.
What is one example of participatory democracy?
1. Online platforms for public input
2. Citizens attending a city board meeting.
3. Starting/ joining a community council.
In class we have discussed the Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, Slave Trade and Interstate Commerce, and the Electoral College. Which of these compromises dealt with how slaves would be counted when determining a state's population.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Which branch of government confirms or rejects an appointment made by the President?
Legislative Branch
What are enumerated powers?
Enumerated powers are powers that are specifically given to the Federal Government. EX: Congress can declare war.
Which branch of government is given power under the Necessary and Proper Clause of the Constitution?
Legislative/ Congress.
Does the United States government follow the system of direct democracy or republicanism?
Republicanism: citizens elect people to represent their interests in the government.
Who held the majority of the power under the Articles of Confederation.
The state's had the majority of the power. One of the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
What is the main responsibility for the Judicial Branch.
To interpret the laws. They determine what laws mean and if they are constitutional.
If there is a conflict between state and national law, the national law prevails. Which clause in the constitution creates this practice?
What is one reason why ending slavery was not a key topic for the northern states while creating the constitution?
1. The northern states thought that slavery would go away naturally.
2. They needed the southern states to ratify the constitution. They didn't want to anger them.
3. The goal of the constitution was to establish/ secure a government.
As citizens, we give up some of our individual freedoms and pay taxes to the government. In return, they provide public services for us and represent our interests. What is this an example of?
Social Contract
Briefly explain the Great Compromise.
The Great Compromise established the bicameral structure/ representation in Congress. Senate= 2 per state and House= based on population.
A checks and balances system was created in our Constitution. Why did the framers create the check and balance system>
The framers wanted to ensure that none of the 3 branches could obtain too much power. To limit the power of the 3 branches.
Why did the Framers of the Constitution create the federal system?
In order to create a strong central government while still leaving some power and freedoms to the state and local governments.
What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
It requires that each state in the U.S. give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states. In other words, it mandates that states must recognize and respect the legal actions and decisions made by other states, and treat them as valid and binding within their own borders.
Example: Marriage