American Government: Constitutional History and Federalism

Study Notes

Major political and historical developments that led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 included:
- Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
- Shays' Rebellion
- Nationalist sentiment
- Economic instability

Federalism is a system of government that divides power between a central authority and smaller units (states, provinces, etc.)
Federalism limits national power by:
- Distributing authority among multiple levels of government
- Ensuring that power is not concentrated in one entity
Evolution of federalism in the United States:
- From the Founding to the twentieth century, federalism oscillated between national and state-centric approaches
- Shift towards increased national power since 1937

The framers attempted to balance representation with effective governance by:
- Creating a bicameral legislature
- Establishing a system of checks and balances
- Ensuring that power is distributed among multiple branches of government

The amendment process allows the Constitution to evolve over time by:
- Providing a mechanism for change
- Ensuring that the Constitution remains relevant and adaptable

Origins of the Bill of Rights:
- Response to anti-Federalist concerns about individual rights
- First 10 amendments to the Constitution
Purpose of the Bill of Rights:
- Protect citizens from improper governmental actions
- Ensure individual liberties and freedoms

The Fourteenth Amendment (1868) nationalized the Bill of Rights by:
- Extending federal protections to state citizens
- Ensuring that states cannot infringe on individual rights

Precedent and interpretation continue to shape the Bill of Rights by:
- Informing judicial decisions
- Evolving the understanding of individual rights

Civil rights relate to collective action in the United States by:
- Ensuring equal protection and opportunities for all citizens
- Facilitating social and political change through collective action

Diverse views and interests represented in Congress:
- Geographic, ideological, and demographic differences
Organization of the US Congress:
- Bicameral legislature with Senate and House of Representatives
- Committee system and leadership structures

Constitutional origins and powers of the presidency:
- Established in Article II of the Constitution
- Includes executive, legislative, and judicial powers
Formal and informal resources of the presidency:
- Executive powers, such as veto authority and executive orders
- Informal powers, such as persuasion and negotiation

Bureaucracies facilitate effective governance by:
- Implementing laws and policies
- Establishing rules and regulations
- Settling disputes and providing public services

Structure of the executive branch:
- Includes executive departments and agencies
- Organized to facilitate implementation of laws and policies

Organization of America's courts:
- Hierarchical system with Supreme Court at the apex
- Includes federal and state courts
Role of judges in shaping public policy:
- Interpreting laws and the Constitution
- Establishing precedents and influencing policy decisions

Common law and precedents shape judicial decisions by:
- Providing a framework for legal interpretation
- Informing judicial rulings and opinions

Significance of judicial review:
- Ensures that laws are consistent with the Constitution
- Provides a check on legislative and executive power

Public opinion can be understood at:
- Aggregate level (collective attitudes and opinions)
- Individual level (personal attitudes and beliefs)
Elections in the United States function as:
- Formal institutions for making collective decisions
- Mechanisms for holding elected officials accountable