Awesome Amendments
What is the 25th Amendment?
• Clarifies presidential succession and disability
What is the Connecticut Compromise?
The Connecticut (Great) Compromise
This compromise solved a major disagreement between large and small states by creating:
• A bicameral (two-house) legislature
o House of Representatives (based on population)
o Senate (equal representation for all states)
This structure still exists today.
What is a direct democracy?
Direct democracy, where citizens vote on every law themselves.
What is the Bill of Rights?
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments, added to protect
individual freedoms.
What is the stamp act?
Stamp Act Congress
This was the first time multiple colonies:
• Met together to coordinate opposition to British policies.
• Sent a unified protest to the King and Parliament.
It demonstrated organized colonial resistance and helped unify sentiment leading up to
independence.
What is the 2nd Amendment?
Second Amendment
• Guarantees the right to keep and bear arms
• Modern debate centers on:
o Is this a right held by individuals?
o Or by a collective “militia”?
What is Brutus No. 1's main arguments?
Brutus No. 1 – Robert Yates (Anti-Federalist)
• Opposed the new Constitution
Main arguments:
o A large republic will lead to consolidated power
o National government will overwhelm the states
o Distance between government and people will reduce liberty
o Strong central government threatens individual rights
What is a limited Government?
Limited Government
The idea of limited government means:
• Government power is restricted.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Rights of individuals are protected.
• Government cannot act outside the powers listed in the Constitution.
This principle is central to American constitutional democracy.
What is Article V of the Amendment Process?
Article V – Amendment Process
Article V of the Constitution outlines:
• How the Constitution can be amended.
• The basic requirement that amendments must be proposed and then ratified by the
states.
Most commonly:
• ¾ of state legislatures must approve an amendment.
This ensures amendments are difficult but possible when widely supported.
What are checks and balances?
Each branch has the power to:
• Limit or restrain the actions of the other branches.
Examples:
• Congress can impeach a president.
• The president can veto laws.
• Courts can declare laws unconstitutiona
What is the 8th Amendment?
• Prohibits:
o Cruel and unusual punishment
o Excessive bail or fines
• Modern debates include:
o Whether the death penalty is constitutional
o Limits on solitary confinement
o Mandatory sentencing rules
What is the 21st Amendment?
• Returned alcohol regulation power to the stat
What are the basic concepts of democracy?
Democracy rests on several foundational beliefs:
• Equality of opportunity, not equality of possessions.
• Majority rule with protection of minority rights.
• Individual liberty, balanced with the needs of society.
• Necessity of compromise.
Know that democracy promises equality in rights and opportunities, not in wealth or living
standards.
What is Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
established the principle of judicial review, meaning that American courts have the power to strike down laws and statutes they find to violate the Constitution of the United States.
What does Madison Argue in Federalist No. 10?
Federalist No. 10 – James Madison
•
Argues:
o Factions are inevitable because people have different interests
o A large republic is the best way to control factions
o Competing interests prevent any single group from dominating
Madison supports:
•
Strong central government
•
Representative democracy
•
A large and diverse republic to limit majority tyranny
What is the 22nd Amendment?
Limits the President to two elected terms
What are the Characteristics of a State?
Every sovereign state in political science has four required characteristics:
• Population – people living within the state.
• Territory – defined and recognized borders.
• Government – an institution that makes and enforces public policy.
• Sovereignty – full and absolute power within its territory; not controlled by another nation.
What is a presidential system?
Presidential System
• Legislative and executive branches are separate and coequal.
• The president is elected independently of the legislature.
• U.S. is the classic example.
Parliamentary System
What is the magna Carta?
Magna Carta (1215)
The Magna Carta established major democratic principles, including:
•
Rule of law – government must follow the law.
•
Due process – individuals cannot be imprisoned without legal judgment.
•
Rights for the accused – such as trial by peers.
It was the first major limitation on the power of the English monarchy and influenced U.S.
constitutional rights.
How Democracy Protects Minority Rights Democracy is more than “majority rule.” It also includes protection of minority rights, such as: • Freedom of speech • Equal protection under the law • Access to political participation Even when a majority decides, the minority cannot be silenced, imprisoned, or excluded from society. This helps prevent tyranny of the majority.
What is the 5th Amendment?
Provides multiple protections for the accused, including:
o No double jeopardy – a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime
after an acquittal or conviction
o Right to remain silent (protection against self-incrimination)
o Due process
o Just compensation for government taking private property (eminent domain)
What are the four major theories of how governments begin?
1. Force Theory
The strongest person or group seized control and forced others to obey.
2. Evolutionary (Kinship) Theory
Government evolved naturally from families and tribal structures.
3. Divine Right Theory
Monarchs claimed that God gave them the right and obligation to rule.
4. Social Contract Theory
People voluntarily gave up certain freedoms to form a government that protects their natural rights.
● Influences thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Jefferson
● Basis of the Declaration of Independence
What is a parliamentary system?
*A system where executive and legislative branch are fused.
Executive is chosen by and is part of the legislature.
• The prime minister stays in office only while supported by the majority party.
• No formal separation of powers.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The Articles reflected:
• Strong state sovereignty and independence.
• Weak national government (could not tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws).
Problems under the Articles (like economic confusion and weak national leadership) led states to support creating a stronger federal government at the Constitutional Convention.
What is Benjamin Franklin's Message for the second continental Congress?
Benjamin Franklin’s Message (Second Continental Congress)
Franklin was urging the 13 colonies to:
• Unite in the fight for independence.
• Recognize that success depends on cooperation.
• Understand that division would lead to failure.
The quote captures the need for unity against Britain during the American Revolutio