Foundational Documents
What event proved that the Articles of Confederation was weak?
Shay's Rebellion
What is the difference between religious establishment and religious exercise?
Religious establishment means that the government can not force a specific religion on the people. Religious exercise means that the people have the absolute right to practice whatever religion they want.
What is popular sovereignty?
The principle of government where the people have the power in government
Legislative Branch - Article 1
Executive Branch - Article 2
Judicial Branch - Article 3
What is political socialization?
It's the way people form their opinions about government over time.
What were the 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Name one amendment that deals with suffrage and describe it?
15th, 19th, 24th, or the 26th amendment
What is the importance of limited government?
Limited Government is a principle that ensures that ALL powers are restricted to the Constitution. This is important because it ensures that no government entity abuses their power and take rights from the people.
Under the Executive Branch, what is the name of the group of people that must be confirmed by the Senate?
The Federal Bureaucracy
How do liberals feel about government?
Liberals believe that the government should be large and active to help protect individual lives.
What is the difference between "Ensure domestic tranquility" and "Secure the blessings of Liberty"?
Ensure domestic tranquility says that the US Constitution should provide order, whereas secure the blessings of Liberty should provide liberty.
Which amendment says that you have the right to a fair and speedy trial, right to a lawyer, and right to a jury?
6th amendment
What is the difference between checks and balances and separation of powers?
Separation of Powers divides the government into three branches of government. Checks and Balances allows each of those branches to have power over each other to ensure there is no abuse of power.
What power did the case Marbury v Madison give the Judicial Branch?
Judicial Review
How do agents of socialization work together with political socialization?
Agents of socialization are the factors that influence your political beliefs such as family, religion, and race. Therefore, it's important to know these factors to understand why you may identify with a certain political ideology.
What is the main idea of Brutus 1?
It explains the need for power to remain with the states and the people.
If the neither presidential candidate reaches 270 electoral college, which amendment outlines the process for how the president and vp is chosen?
The 12th amendment:
The House of Representatives chooses the President and the Senate chooses the VP
What was the argument for the creation of the Electoral College?
The argument was between the Educated/Wealthy and the Common/Uneducated. The founding fathers were worried that much of the country did not have the knowledge to elect a President.
Name one formal power and one informal power of the President.
Formal Powers: commander and chief, make treaties, appoint officials, vetoing power, grant pardons, state of the union
Informal Powers: Executive Orders, budgeting, bully pulpit
How do conservatives feel about the economy?
They believe the economy should have no government interference. They believe taxes should be low for businesses.
What is the difference between the main idea of Federalist 51 and Federalist 10?
Federalist 51 outlines that in order to prevent tyranny, the US needs a strong central government. Federalist 10 discusses the dangers of factions.
Which amendment deals with the succession of the President? (Meaning, if the President were to pass or become incapacitated)
25th amendment
Name the principle that represents the 10th amendment and describe this principle.
Federalism: the division of power between the national and state governments
How does a filibuster act as a distraction in the Senate and how can it end?
It's an unlimited debate in the Senate. It's an attempt to kill a bill.
The only way to end a filibuster is to enact a cloture, which is 2/3 or 60 senators voting to end it
How would liberals handle student debt relief versus conservatives?
Liberals believe that students' debt should be forgiven due to the greed of universities and to allow marginalized groups to be debt free. Conservatives believe that student loans should not be forgiven, as it would cause more debt for the government. They believe it would not be fair for those who have paid back their student loans.