Misc
Philosophers
Constitution
Federalism
Powers/Clauses
100

Which constitutional amendment is the basis for FEDERALISM?

The 10th Amendment

100

Who is responsible for first writing that the main roles of government should be to protect "life, liberty, and property"?

JOHN LOCKE...Thomas Jefferson incorporated his ideas in the Declaration of Independence

100

Explain why the Framers of the US Constitution added the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights was added to address concerns from Anti-Federalists. In order to get more people to support and ratify the US Constitution, the Federalists promised to add a list of liberties that the national government could not deny.

100

Describe the concept of DEVOLUTION.

DEVOLUTION is the idea that responsibilities that have traditionally been handled by the national government should be handed down to the STATES, thus limiting the role of the national government.

100

The power to tax is held by both the state and the national government, making it an example of this type of power. 

What is concurrent?

200

What role did Shays' Rebellion have in helping bring the Articles of Confederation to an end?

The rebellion of furious farmers in Massachusetts showed the weakness of the the Articles in quickly resolving this armed revolt. Showed that the central government need the ability to tax and have their own army.

200

Theory suggests that citizens give consent to be governed

Social Contract Theory

200

What two plans ultimately created the Great Compromise? (Connecticut Compromise)

The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan

200

Describe the concept of DUAL FEDERALISM aka LAYER CAKE FEDERALISM.

The national and state governments operated independently of one another. Each level has separate powers and do no interact

200

Implied powers all have their basis in this constitutional clause. 

What is the necessary and proper clause?

300

Describe the idea of pluralism.

The ideal form of democracy. Many groups are competing for influence from the government. Because many groups are fighting for power, it becomes difficult for any specific faction to totally dominate the government's policy-making. 

300

What did Thomas Hobbes view was the important function of government?

Many answers are possible: Students should know that Hobbes felt that government should be mainly responsible for keeping order and protecting the people from themselves. Hobbes felt that the government do whatever was necessary to provide order...even if that meant limiting individual liberty.

300

Why was the 3/5 Compromise controversial?

Slaves were counted as 3/5 of a person in order to appease southern states who wanted their slave populations to count towards their representation in the House and in the Electoral College. Nevertheless, slaves were not allowed to vote and were treated like property throughout much of the country.

300

List one benefit and one disadvantage of Federalism

Possible benefits: - allows states to test out new policies like laboratories - provides people more access points to the government through local and state levels since the country is large geographically Possible disadvantages: - Complex, with many layers of govt to deal with - Duplication of offices and functions - Conflicts of authority may arise between the different levels

300

This is an example of an inherent power. 

What are diplomatic relation (recognizing governments), regulating our borders, acquiring new territory?

400

What is popular sovereignty? 

People have the power!

400

This quote reflects the views of which enlightenment philosopher.

"In every government there are three sorts of power; the legislative; the executive; and the judicial."

Montesquieu 

400

What was the main argument of Federalist #10?

FACTIONS are inevitable in a free society, thus a functioning government must limit their ill effects rather than banning them in their entirety. Checks and balances, federalism, and separation of powers are the means of decentralization that Madison felt would limit the influence of factions

400

How does a CATEGORICAL GRANT differ from a BLOCK GRANT?

A CATEGORICAL GRANT is money given from the national government to states that must be spent for a specific purpose (more strings attached) A BLOCK GRANT is money given from the national government to states, but states have more flexibility in spending the money.

400

US v. Lopez is a landmark SCOTUS case that helped define and limit Congress' powers under the commerce clause. Please provide the background of the case. 

What it Congress passed the GFSZA to limit gun violence in school by using the commerce clause. A student brought a gun on school property and was charged. The student argued that his conviction should be overturned since Congress did not have the authority to create such a law. (Mrs. Kinn's discretion.)

500

Explain why America’s Founding Fathers were suspicious of implementing a Direct Democracy in the United States.

Answers are various: The gist is that the Founders were fearful that most Americans did not have the education/ability to make good decisions. They felt that people should choose others, who would be more educated and responsible in carrying out the role of government.

500

Which philosopher said this?

"Hereby it is manifest that during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such a war as is of every man against every man."

Hobbes

500

A. According to the US Constitution, list one way to PROPOSE an amendment. B. According to the US Constitution, list one way to RATIFY an amendment.

A. PROPOSAL: 1. 2/3 of each chamber of Congress must agree to propose or 2. 2/3 of state legislatures call for national convention B. RATIFY: 1. 3/4 of state legislatures must agree to rafity or 2. 3/4 of states agree to ratify at a national convention

500

The American with Disabilities Act is an example of an unfunded mandate. Please describe what an unfunded mandate is and how the ADA fits that category.

Part of fiscal federalism. When the national government requires the state governments to abide by new laws and regulations but do not provide the funds for them to accomplish said goal. 

States had to make all public building wheelchair accessible but the National government gave them no funds.  

500

McCulloch v. Maryland is a landmark SCOTUS case. Please identify the two precedents set forth by this case. 

1. States could not tax the federal government via the SUPREMACY CLAUSE 2. The NECESSARY AND PROPER CLAUSE allows the national government to create a national bank even though this is not a enumerated power in the Constitution.

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