The Bill of Rights
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect individual freedoms and limit government power.
Which Enlightenment thinker promoted the idea of natural rights?
John Locke.
What are the three branches of government?
Executive, Legislative, Judicial.
What is federalism?
Federalism is the division of power between national and state governments.
Why did the Founding Fathers implement checks and balances?
They believed human nature was flawed and that government needed checks and balances to prevent corruption.
Which amendment protects freedom of speech?
The First Amendment.
Which thinker introduced the concept of separation of powers?
Montesquieu.
Which branch enforces laws?
The Executive Branch.
What are enumerated powers?
Powers specifically granted to the federal government (e.g., regulating commerce, declaring war).
What did James Madison argue in Federalist No. 10?
He argued that factions (interest groups) are inevitable but can be controlled in a large republic.
Name one protection provided by the Fourth Amendment.
Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
How did John Locke’s ideas influence the U.S. Constitution?
John Locke's ideas of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) influenced the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Which branch interprets the law?
The Judicial Branch.
What are reserved powers?
Powers reserved for the states (e.g., education, local law enforcement).
What did the Founding Fathers believe about human nature?
They believed humans were self-interested and that unchecked power could lead to tyranny, hence the need for divided government and checks and balances.
Which amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial?
The Sixth Amendment.
How did Montesquieu’s ideas impact the structure of the U.S. government?
Montesquieu's idea of separation of powers influenced the three branches of the U.S. government (executive, legislative, judicial).
How does the system of checks and balances prevent any branch from becoming too powerful?
Each branch has the power to limit the actions of the other branches (e.g., veto power, judicial review)
How does federalism balance power between national and state governments?
It divides power between the national and state governments, ensuring that neither can dominate completely.
How does the principle of the "tyranny of the majority" apply to modern-day democracy?
In modern democracy, "tyranny of the majority" can occur when the majority’s interests override those of minorities, leading to potential injustices.
What protection does the Eighth Amendment provide?
Protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
Which Enlightenment thinker argued that humans are naturally self-interested?
Thomas Hobbes argued that humans are naturally self-interested and require a strong government to maintain order.
Give an example of how the judiciary can check the power of the executive branch.
The judiciary can declare executive actions unconstitutional.
What is the significance of civilian control of the military?
Civilian control prevents the military from taking over governance and ensures decisions are made by elected leaders.
How does the Founding Fathers' view of human nature influence the design of the Constitution?
The Founding Fathers believed in human self-interest, so they designed the Constitution with multiple checks on power to prevent any one person or group from dominating.