Branches of Government
What are the three branches of government?
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial
What is the purpose of the U.S. Constitution?
The purpose of the U.S. Constitution is to establish the framework for the federal government, outline the powers and responsibilities of each branch of government, and protect the rights and liberties of American citizens.
Who was John Locke, and how did his ideas influence the American government?
John Locke was an English philosopher whose ideas about natural rights and government by consent deeply influenced the American government. Locke believed that all individuals are entitled to natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and that governments exist to protect these rights.
Who were the Federalists, and what did they support?
The Federalists were supporters of the U.S. Constitution during the ratification debates in the late 1780s. They advocated for a strong central government that could effectively unify the states, maintain order, and provide for the nation’s defense. Key Federalists included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
Explain the concept of federalism in the U.S. Constitution.
Federalism is the division of power between the national (federal) government and the state governments. The U.S. Constitution outlines specific powers granted to the federal government, known as enumerated powers, while reserving all other powers to the states or the people under the Tenth Amendment.
Explain the concept of checks and balances in the U.S. government.
To ensure that not one branch is becoming more powerful than the other.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise, and why was it significant?
The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement during the Constitutional Convention that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for determining a state's total population for legislative representation and taxation purposes.
What was Rousseau’s concept of the "social contract," and how did it influence the Constitution?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's concept of the "social contract" proposed that individuals agree to form a society and abide by its rules in exchange for protection and the benefits of a collective life. This idea influenced the Constitution by reinforcing the notion that government authority is derived from the consent of the governed.
What were the main concerns of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution?
The Anti-Federalists were concerned that the Constitution gave too much power to the central government at the expense of the states and individual liberties. They feared that the absence of a Bill of Rights would lead to the erosion of personal freedoms and the potential for government tyranny. Key Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Samuel Adams.
What were the Articles of Confederation, and how did they influence the writing of the U.S. Constitution?
They established a weak central government with limited powers, where most authority remained with the individual states. The Articles lacked the power to tax, regulate interstate commerce, or enforce laws effectively, leading to various problems, such as financial difficulties and interstate disputes. These weaknesses highlighted the need for a stronger central government, which led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution to create a more balanced and effective federal system.
What is judicial review, and which court case established it?
Judicial review is the power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of a government action. It was established by the case Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Explain the concept of sovereignty within a state/ country.
The concept of sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority and power of a state to govern itself without external interference. In a sovereign state, the government has the supreme power to make and enforce laws, regulate internal and external affairs, and control its own territory and population.
How did Montesquieu's ideas on the separation of powers influence the U.S. Constitution?
Montesquieu, a French philosopher, argued for the separation of powers into three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This idea directly influenced the structure of the U.S. Constitution, which established a system of checks and balances.
What role did the promise of a Bill of Rights play in the ratification of the Constitution?
The promise to add a Bill of Rights was crucial in securing the ratification of the Constitution. Many Anti-Federalists agreed to support the Constitution on the condition that it would be amended to include specific protections for individual liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against government abuse.
What is the Electoral College, and how does it work?
The Electoral College is the system used to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Each state is allocated a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress (the sum of its Senators and Representatives). When voters cast their ballots in a presidential election, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to their candidate. The candidate who wins the majority of votes in a state typically wins all of that state's electoral votes (except in Maine and Nebraska, which use a proportional system). A candidate needs a majority of 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win the presidency.
What powers are granted to the President by the Constitution?
The President is granted powers including serving as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, vetoing legislation, appointing federal judges and other high officials, conducting foreign policy, and ensuring that laws are faithfully executed.
Explain the purpose of an amendment/ amending the constitution.
The purpose of an amendment or amending the Constitution is to allow for changes, additions, or clarifications to the original text of the Constitution in order to address evolving societal needs, rectify oversights, or expand rights and liberties.
How did Thomas Hobbes' views on social contract theory differ from those of John Locke?
Thomas Hobbes and John Locke both developed theories of social contract, but they had different views. Hobbes believed that in the state of nature, life would be "nasty, brutish, and short" without a strong central authority to maintain order, leading him to advocate for an absolute sovereign. In contrast, Locke believed that people are naturally reasonable and moral, and that government should be limited and exist to protect the natural rights of individuals.
What is Federalist No. 10 about, and why is it significant?
Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison, addresses the issue of factions and how a large republic can mitigate the dangers posed by factions, or groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the community as a whole. It is significant because it argues that a large, diverse republic would be the best defense against the tyranny of the majority and the dangers of factionalism.
What was the significance of the Federalist Paper No. 51?
The significance of Federalist Paper No. 51, written by James Madison, lies in its explanation of how the structure of the U.S. government provides a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
How is Congress structured, and what are the main differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate?
Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House is based on population, with members serving two-year terms, while the Senate has equal representation for each state (two senators per state) with members serving six-year terms.
What is the Bill of Rights, and why was it added to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It was added to ensure the protection of individual liberties and to address the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared that the new government would have too much power.
Explain the impact of Enlightenment ideas on the Founding Fathers.
Enlightenment ideas greatly impacted the Founding Fathers, shaping their views on liberty, equality, democracy, and the rule of law.
How did the Anti-Federalists and Federalists differ in their views on the power of the central government?
The Anti-Federalists favored a decentralized government structure, with more power resting in the hands of state governments to ensure that individual liberties were protected. They feared that a strong central government would lead to tyranny. In contrast, the Federalists supported a stronger central government that could effectively manage the country's affairs, provide national security, and create a cohesive union among the states.
Explain and define the following theories of the origin of government: Force Theory, Divine Right of Kings Theory, Evolutionary Theory, and Social Contract Theory.
Force Theory: The idea that governments are formed when one group forces control over others. Divine Right of Kings Theory: The belief that monarchs are chosen by God to rule. Evolutionary Theory: The concept that governments naturally developed out of early family structures. Social Contract Theory: The idea that people agree to form governments for mutual protection and social order.