Foundations & Theories of Gov
Which philosopher’s social contract theory influenced the Declaration of Independence?
John Locke
What was the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
Lack of a strong central government
Which clause makes the Constitution and federal laws supreme over state laws?
Supremacy Clause (Article VI)
Which document declared independence from Britain?
Declaration of Independence
Which Supreme Court case established that Congress has implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause?
McCulloch v. Maryland
Which model of democracy emphasizes group-based activism by nongovernmental interests?
Pluralist democracy
Which Anti-Federalist paper warned against a large republic and the abuse of power by elites?
Brutus No. 1
Which clause allows Congress to stretch its powers to carry out enumerated responsibilities?
Necessary and Proper Clause
Which document served as America’s first constitution?
Articles of Confederation
Which clause was most at issue in McCulloch v. Maryland?
Necessary and Proper Clause
Name one exclusive power of the national government.
coin money, declare war, regulate interstate commerce
Which Federalist paper argued that a large republic prevents the dangers of factions?
Federalist No. 10
What are concurrent powers? Give one example.
Powers shared by state and national governments, e.g., taxation
What is the main argument of Federalist No. 51?
Checks and balances are necessary to prevent abuse of power
What did the Court decide in United States v. Lopez?
The Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress’s Commerce Clause power
What term describes powers not listed in the Constitution but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause?
Implied powers
What compromise resolved representation of enslaved people at the Constitutional Convention?
The Three-Fifths Compromise
Which amendment reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people?
10th Amendment
Which founding document emphasized the consent of the governed and natural rights?
Declaration of Independence
Explain how McCulloch v. Maryland expanded national power.
Recognized implied powers and reinforced federal supremacy over the states
Explain the difference between participatory and elite democracy with a modern example of each.
Participatory: voting in local elections; Elite: influence of wealthy donors in campaigns
Describe one way the Constitution fixed a weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
Congress gained power to tax, regulate commerce, create an executive branch
Explain one historical event or case that demonstrates conflict over federalism in Unit 1.
McCulloch v. Maryland (bank taxation conflict), U.S. v. Lopez (gun law & commerce clause)
Compare Brutus No. 1 and Federalist No. 10 in terms of their views on the size of the republic.
Brutus: small republic preserves liberty; Madison: large republic controls factions
Compare McCulloch v. Maryland and U.S. v. Lopez in terms of federal vs. state power.
McCulloch expanded federal authority; Lopez limited it, protecting state power