Principles of Government
This principle means government power comes from the people.
Popular Sovereignty
Under the Articles, Congress couldn’t collect these, which left the government broke.
Taxes
In this type of government, citizens have the power through elections.
Democracy
Who is the author of “We the People…” in the U.S. Constitution’s Preamble?
The Framers of the Constitution
In this FORM, the central government holds most power.
Unitary System
This principle ensures every person, even government officials, must obey the law.
Rule of Law
What was created under the Constitution to enforce laws and lead the government?
The Executive Branch (President)
This government type has one leader with total control, limiting personal freedoms.
Authoritarian / Dictatorship
What principle of government is reflected in the phrase “establish Justice” from the Preamble?
Maintaining social order / fairness under the law - Rule of Law!
In this system, states hold most power and the central government is weak.
Confederal System
This principle divides powers between the national and state governments.
Federalism
Why was giving each state one vote under the Articles unfair to large states?
Large states had more people but the same vote as small states.
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of a democratic system.
Advantage: Citizens have a voice. Disadvantage: Decisions take longer.
Why is the Preamble a strong source for understanding U.S. founding ideas?
It shows the framers’ direct intent and goals for government.
What system divides power between national and state governments?
Federal System
What principle allows each branch to limit the powers of the others?
Checks and Balances
Name one economic weakness under the Articles and how the Constitution fixed it.
States taxed each other’s goods; Constitution let Congress regulate trade.
How does an authoritarian government often justify limiting freedoms?
They claim it keeps the country “safe and stable.”
What’s one limitation of using the Preamble as a source about all Americans in 1787?
It doesn’t include perspectives of women, enslaved, or nonvoting populations.
During a natural disaster, what shows how federalism works in the U.S.?
States handle local response; federal government provides aid and resources.
Give one real-world example that shows limited government in action.
Ex: A court overturning a law that violates the Constitution; the President needing Congress’s approval for spending.
Explain how creating a national court system solved a major problem under the Articles.
It provided a way to settle disputes between states and interpret laws consistently.
Compare how laws are made and enforced differently in a democracy vs. an authoritarian system.
Democracy: Citizens elect lawmakers; laws debated publicly. Authoritarian: Leader decides; little citizen input.
If a political cartoon shows three branches tugging on a rope, what principle is likely being illustrated?
Checks and Balances or Separation of Powers
Argue (in 1 sentence) why an Authoritarian System might be best for emergencies?
The government can act quickly and more effectively in the moment to help citizens.