Foundational Political Concepts & Historical Events & Documents,
What key philosopher is known for developing the idea of natural rights? H
ow do these rights relate to the foundation of democracy?
John Locke is best known for developing the idea of natural rights.
Natural rights form the foundation of democratic principles, influencing documents like the Declaration of Independence and promoting the idea that governments exist to protect these inherent freedoms.
What were the colonists' reasons for their desire to break British rule? How did this document express the concept of natural rights?
The colonists opposed British taxation, lack of representation, and military enforcement.
What key advice did George Washington give in his Farewell Address regarding political parties and foreign alliances? Why was this advice significant for the young nation?
Washington warned against political parties and foreign entanglements, emphasizing unity and national independence.
What were the causes and effects of Shays' Rebellion? How did it contribute to the creation of the U.S. Constitution?
Cause: Economic hardship led farmers to revolt.
Effect: Highlighted weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, leading to the Constitutional Convention.
What were the factors that made cities appealing to immigrants?
Immigrants settled in cities due to job opportunities and ethnic communities.
What are the three branches of government, and how does each branch check the power of the others?
Three Branches:
Legislative (Congress): Makes laws.
Executive (President): Enforces laws.
Judicial (Courts): Interprets laws.
How did the Mayflower Compact serve as an early example of democratic principles?
it established a form of self-governance among the Pilgrims, emphasizing collective decision-making and majority rule.
What was its main goal, and how did it shape U.S. foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere?
The U.S. declared that European nations should not interfere in the Western Hemisphere, shaping American diplomatic strategy.
What were the causes and consequences of the Mexican-American War? How did it affect U.S. territorial expansion?
The U.S. gained southwestern territories, fueling debates over slavery expansion.
How did it influence the institution of slavery in the South?
Increased cotton production but also deepened reliance on slavery in the South.
What key documents or movements helped establish political equality in the U.S.?
The Declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal."
The Civil Rights Movement fought for racial equality in political participation
Amendments like the 15th (voting rights for African Americans) and 19th (women's voting rights) established legal protections for political equality.
What does the Tenth Amendment say about the U.S. government's power distribution? How does it relate to the ongoing debate over state versus federal authority?
State vs. Federal Power: It reserves powers not granted to the federal government to the states, influencing ongoing debates about federalism.
Who were some key figures associated with the Underground Railroad? What role did it play in the abolitionist movement?
Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison helped enslaved people escape and advocated for abolition.
What were the leading causes of the Civil War? How did it reshape the nation politically, economically, and socially?
Causes: Slavery, states' rights, sectional tensions.
Impact: Strengthened federal power, abolished slavery, reshaped economic and social structures.
What role did it play in the balance of power between free and slave states?
compromise of 1850: Allowed California to enter as a free state but strengthened fugitive slave laws.
How did each document limit the monarch's power and affect the relationship between the ruler and the people? What was their impact on the development of democratic government?
The Magna Carta (1215) introduced the idea that the king must obey laws, while the English Bill of Rights (1689) ensured parliamentary power over taxation and individual rights.
What powers does each branch of government have to limit the power of the others?
Checks and Balances
Congress passes laws, but the president can veto them
The Supreme Court can strike down unconstitutional laws.
The Senate must approve presidential appointments.
What was the main goal of the abolitionist movement? Who were the key figures involved, and what strategies did they use to fight against slavery?
Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and William Lloyd Garrison helped enslaved people escape and advocated for abolition.
How does it reflect the core values of the U.S. and its commitment to equality and liberty?
Lincoln emphasized liberty, equality, and the nation's commitment to democracy.
What principle did it introduce, and how did it lead to violence and instability in Kansas?
Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): Introduced popular sovereignty on slavery, leading to violent conflicts in "Bleeding Kansas."
What were the social and political impacts of this movement?
These documents helped shape democratic governance by emphasizing limited government and individual freedoms.
Compare and contrast Hamilton’s and Jefferson’s views on the role of government. What were their differing views on the interpretation of the Constitution?
Limited Government,Strict Interpretation of the Constitution,Foreign Relations
Review the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. What specific rights did each amendment guarantee, and how did they help shape post-Civil War America?
13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
14th Amendment: Guaranteed citizenship and equal protection.
15th Amendment: Secured voting rights regardless of race.
What challenges did laborers face, and how did labor movements respond?
Increased factory production but led to poor working conditions, sparking labor unions.
What was its purpose, and how did it affect Native American communities?
indian removal act: Forced Native American displacement, leading to the Trail of Tears.