Foundations of Government
What Enlightenment idea encouraged people to question monarchs and think for themselves?
The belief that reason and individual rights should guide government.
What message did Washington send in his Farewell address? What did it mean?
Statement of Neutrality- The U.S. would not pick sides in European conflicts.
What document has the highest legal authority in the U.S.?
The Constitution
What group actually casts the official votes for president?
The Electoral College.
What court case established a new judicial power in the U.S.?
Marbury v. Madison.
Which philosopher said citizens have natural rights like life and liberty?
John Locke
What do we call the tradition of one president stepping aside for the next?
A peaceful transfer of power.
What is The Elastic (Necessary and Proper) Clause.
Lets Congress make laws that go beyond its listed powers
What is the vote total made up of all citizens who cast ballots called?
The popular vote.
What do we call the power of courts to strike down unconstitutional laws?
Judicial review
According to Locke, what should happen if a government abuses its power?
The people can change or replace the government.
Which early presidents proved peaceful transfer of power could actually work? Why?
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They were of opposite political parties and had major differences and disagreements when campaigning against eachother, but were peacefull when the presidental election had a final vote.
How did the Missouri Compromise attempt to keep the nation stable under the Constitution?
It kept a balance of free and slave states in the Senate, delaying conflict and preserving unity for a time.
What are the jobs of the three branches?
Executive Branch- Enforce laws
Legislative Branch- Make laws
Judical Branch- Judge and interpret laws
Which role goes with which branch
Secretary of Education
– Speaker of the House
– Chief Justice?
Executive, Legislative, Judicial (in that order).
How did Enlightenment ideas help shape the Declaration of Independence?
They inspired the belief in natural rights and government based on consent, creating a democracy
What were the Alien & Sedition Acts trying to limit or control?
Immigration and criticism of the government.
How did the creation of the National Bank demonstrate the flexibility of the Constitution?
They showed that Congress could use implied powers to create institutions not specifically listed in the Constitution when necessary for the country.
If no candidate wins enough electoral votes, who chooses the president?
The House of Representatives.
How can the Judicial Branch limit the Legislative Branch?
By ruling that a law passed by Congress is unconstitutional.
What was the intended meaning behind “All men are created equal” in 1776?
That all people are born with basic rights—even though the phrase wasn’t applied to everyone at the time.
Why was the Era of Good Feelings seen as a major shift in early American politics?
Because political tensions dropped after the War of 1812, the Federalist Party faded, and the country experienced a short period of national unity.
How did the Louisiana Purchase challenge Jefferson’s beliefs?
It showed presidents could use implied powers to make major decisions—like buying land—even when not explicitly listed in the Constitution.
Why did the Founders create the Electoral College instead of using only the popular vote?
They wanted a balance between citizen voting and state influence.
How can the Legislative Branch check the Executive Branch to prevent abuse of power?
Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote or impeach and remove the president.