Foundational Docs
What 1776 document lists grievances against King George III and declares the colonies independent?
Declaration of Independence
Which case established that Congress has implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and that states cannot tax federal institutions?
McCulloch v. Maryland
Name one major idea from the Declaration of Independence that influenced American political thought
Natural Rights, Social Contract, Popular Sovereignty, Etc.
Which chamber of Congress is based on equal representation for states and which is based on representation by population?
According to Federalist No. 70, what is one reason Alexander Hamilton argued for a single energetic executive?
Hamilton argued a single executive ensures accountability, decisiveness, and unity.
Which founding-era document attempted to create a weak central government and was eventually replaced because it lacked power to tax and regulate commerce?
Articles of Confederation
Which case established judicial standards for redistricting based on "one person, one vote" and said federal courts could review apportionment issues?
Define "federalism" in one sentence.
Federalism: a system dividing power between national and state governments.
Identify one power granted to Congress by the Constitution that the Articles of Confederation did not effectively provide.
Power to tax, regulate commerce, raise an army, coin money — any one is acceptable.
Name one constitutional power of the president related to national security or foreign policy.
Powers: commander in chief, treaty negotiation (with Senate), appointment of ambassadors, receive ambassadors.
Which Anti-Federalist essay argued that a large republic would not protect liberties and warned against a strong central government?
Brutus No. 1
Which case ruled that race cannot be the predominant factor in drawing legislative districts and introduced strict scrutiny for race-based districting?
Shaw v. Reno
Describe one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation that led to calls for a new Constitution.
Weakness example: Congress lacked power to tax; could not raise revenue; no national judiciary; interstate commerce regulation was impossible.
Explain how the Necessary and Proper Clause affects Congressional authority
The Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers, expanding practical authority.
Give one example of how Congress can limit or influence the powers of the president.
Examples: Senate confirmation, appropriation power, oversight hearings, impeachment.
Which Federalist paper, written by James Madison, argues that a large republic helps control factions and protect minority rights?
Federalist No. 10
Which case limited Congress's ability to regulate guns in school zones, ruling that carrying a gun in a local school zone is not an economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce?
U.S. v. Lopez
Explain the Anti-Federalist concern about a strong executive and which primary document or essay expressed such concerns.
Anti-Federalist concerns: fear of a powerful executive becoming monarchical; Brutus No. 1 exemplified such concerns.
Describe one way Congress can check the executive branch.
Examples: override a presidential veto, power of the purse, impeachment and removal, Senate confirmation powers.
Explain how the constitutional design (separation of powers) shapes bargaining between the president and Congress
Separation of powers creates formal and informal bargaining—veto threats, signings, appointments, and use of public appeals constrain/enable negotiation.
Which Federalist paper explains the need for checks and balances and separation of powers to prevent tyranny?
Federalist No. 51
Explain briefly how the holding in McCulloch v. Maryland supports the concept of federal supremacy and implied powers (short answer for teacher to evaluate).
McCulloch supports federal supremacy by upholding implied powers via the Necessary and Proper Clause and denying states the power to tax federal institutions (teachers: look for these points).
How does Federalist No. 51 propose to prevent tyranny through institutional design? Give two mechanisms.
Federalist No. 51: checks and balances; separation of powers; bicameral legislature; internal government ambition checks.
Explain how Shaw v. Reno, though a case about redistricting, could affect how Congress members are elected and represent constituents.
Shaw v. Reno impacts redistricting rules; racial gerrymanders can be challenged, affecting district shapes and thus electoral outcomes.
Summarize Hamilton's point for Federalist No 70
A unitary, energetic executive is necessary for good government.