Foundations of Democracy
What Enlightenment idea influenced Jefferson’s writing in the Declaration of Independence?
What are natural rights?
Which type of democracy involves direct citizen voting on laws?
What is a participatory democracy?
Who wrote Federalist No. 10?
Who is James Madison?
Name the three branches of government.
Legislative, Executive, Judicial.
What clause makes the Constitution the “supreme law of the land”?
The Supremacy Clause.
What is the principle that government power comes from the people?
What is Popular Sovereignty?
Give an example of participatory democracy in action.
What is an initiative or referendum?
What did Anti-Federalists fear about a strong central government?
It would trample liberties and lead to tyranny.
What is the purpose of separation of powers?
To divide authority so no branch becomes too powerful.
Which amendment reserves powers to the states?
The Tenth Amendment.
Name two Founding Fathers on the “Grand Committee” that wrote the Constitution.
Who are James Madison and Alexander Hamilton (also George Washington, others)?
Which democracy emphasizes interest groups influencing government?
What is a pluralist democracy?
What Foundational Document argued against ratifying the Constitution?
Brutus No. 1.
What is the president’s power to reject a bill called?
A veto.
What Supreme Court case established implied powers under the Necessary & Proper Clause?
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819).
Which Foundational Document provided a moral and legal justification for rebellion?
What is The Declaration of Independence?
Which type of democracy has elected representatives making decisions for the people?
What is an Elite Democracy?
What compromise helped secure ratification of the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments).
What can Congress do with a 2/3 vote in each house?
Override a presidential veto.
Which case limited Congress’s use of the Commerce Clause?
United States v. Lopez (1995).
What did the Articles of Confederation establish, and why was it ineffective?
What is a “League of Friendship” with a weak Congress; couldn’t tax, regulate commerce, or raise a military?
Which Federalist Paper argues that a large republic prevents factions from dominating?
What is Federalist No. 10?
What rebellion exposed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
Shay's Rebellion.
Which Foundational Document explains checks and balances?
Federalist No. 51.
What is the difference between categorical grants and block grants?
Categorical = specific use with strings; Block = broad use with fewer restrictions.