Purposes of Government
Name one of the four main purposes of government.
Order, Security, Services, Laws
Which branch usually decides constitutional questions?
Courts / Judicial Branch
This method focuses on the exact words of the Constitution.
Textualism
Which Article creates the Legislative Branch?
Article I
What does civil dialogue mean?
Respectful discussion of issues
Which purpose of government is shown when the police enforce rules?
Order
Which branch usually decides political questions?
Elected officials – Congress/President
This method focuses on the framers’ original intent.
Originalism
Which Article creates the Executive Branch?
Article II
Why is civil dialogue important in a democracy?
Helps people solve problems peacefully and consider multiple viewpoints
Which purpose of government is shown when public schools are provided?
Services
Is “Should we raise the minimum wage?” political or constitutional?
Political
This method uses the Constitution’s overall design or structure to make decisions.
Structuralism
Which Article creates the Judicial Branch?
Article III
Give one strategy for maintaining civil dialogue.
Listening respectfully, using evidence, avoiding personal attacks
Which purpose of government is most directly tied to the military?
Security
Is “Does banning school prayer violate the First Amendment?” political or constitutional?
Constitutional
This method relies heavily on precedent and past cases.
Doctrinalism
Which Article contains the Supremacy Clause?
Article VI
Which is better for democracy: arguing or civil dialogue? Why?
Civil dialogue – it leads to solutions without conflict
Without this purpose of government, there would be chaos because no one would know the rules.
Laws / maintaining order
Why do courts avoid deciding political questions?
Because they are policy choices for elected officials, not judges.
This method emphasizes what is practical or works best in today’s society
Pragmatic
Which Article explains how the Constitution can be amended?
Article V
How could civil dialogue prevent problems in government decision-making?
It builds cooperation, reduces division, and helps compromise