8 Questions
What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
To establish a new system of government for the United States
How does federalism limit national power?
By dividing power between the national government and the states
What was the major shift in American federalism since 1937?
A shift towards increased national power
What is the primary purpose of the amendment process in the US Constitution?
To allow the Constitution to evolve over time in response to changing circumstances
What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect citizens from improper governmental actions
What is the significance of the Fourteenth Amendment in the nationalization of the Bill of Rights?
It extended the protections of the Bill of Rights to the states
What is the primary function of bureaucracies in the United States?
To facilitate effective governance, including making and implementing laws, establishing rules, and settling disputes
What is the primary role of the executive branch in the United States?
To enforce laws and execute policies
Study Notes
Constitutional Development and Federalism
- The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a major historical development that shaped the US government.
- Federalism is a system that divides power between national and state governments, limiting national power.
- Federalism evolved in the US from the Founding through the twentieth century, with a shift towards increased national power since 1937.
US Constitution
- The Constitution outlines the framework of the US government.
- The framers attempted to balance representation with effective governance through the Constitution.
- The amendment process allows the Constitution to evolve over time.
Bill of Rights
- The Bill of Rights protects citizens from improper governmental actions.
- The origins of the Bill of Rights can be traced back to the Founding Era.
- The Fourteenth Amendment nationalized the Bill of Rights, ensuring its applicability across the US.
- Precedent and interpretation continue to shape the Bill of Rights today.
Civil Rights and Congress
- Civil rights are meant to protect individual rights and freedoms.
- Collective action has played a significant role in shaping civil rights in the US.
- Members of Congress balance diverse views and interests as they represent their districts.
- The organization of Congress can lead to challenges for legislators.
Presidency and Executive Branch
- The presidency has its constitutional origins and powers.
- The president has formal and informal resources that affect their capacity to govern.
- The executive branch is organized to facilitate implementation of laws and policies.
- Bureaucratic institutions created by Congress help achieve policy goals.
Judicial Branch
- The organization of America's courts allows judges to shape public policy.
- Common law and precedents shape judicial decisions.
- Judicial review is a significant power of the courts.
Public Opinion and Elections
- Public opinion can be understood at the aggregate and individual levels.
- Elections in the US function as formal institutions for making collective decisions.
This quiz covers major political and historical developments leading to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the evolution of federalism in the US, and the major provisions of the US Constitution.
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