American Government Exam 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

The Federalist Papers were written to convince the American people of the necessity of a stronger federal government and support the ratification of the Constitution.

Who were the authors of the Federalist Papers?

James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay

What argument does Federalist 39 make?

Federalist 39 argues that the new government is not strictly national, as it divides power among states, local municipalities, and the people.

With whom does it seem Madison wants government power to rest?

Madison desires that government power be divided among branches of the federal government, the states, and the people. Signup and view all the answers

How were U.S. Senators elected at the time of Madison's writing?

State legislatures elected their senators at that time. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Anti-Federalists? What did they believe in?

The Anti-Federalists were a group uncertain of the proposed government in the Constitution and believed it should enumerate both the powers of government and the rights of the people. Signup and view all the answers

What part of the Constitution did the Anti-Federalists give us?

The Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

How did James Wilson believe the US government would generate revenue?

He believed that the government should raise money primarily from tariffs. Signup and view all the answers

What method did Cincinnatus believe the US government would eventually use to generate revenue?

He believed the government would eventually begin to tax the people directly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a progressive income tax? A flat tax?

A progressive income tax increases the tax rate as income increases; a flat tax is applied at the same rate to everyone. Signup and view all the answers

What was the overall argument made by Brutus in AF 84?

Brutus argued that the national Constitution should include a Bill of Rights to prevent tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

Why did some consider the argument in AF 84 void? What does 'what is not granted is reserved' refer to?

Some considered a Bill of Rights unnecessary since state constitutions contained them. 'What is not given is reserved' means powers not granted to the federal government belong to the states. Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote Federalist 46?

James Madison Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Federalist 46?

Madison aimed to convince the American people that state and local governments would not be powerless under the new Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Is it realistic today to accept that states can repel threats from the federal government? Why or why not?

It is probably unrealistic since the federal government is armed with powerful weapons inaccessible to the general population. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federalist Papers

Aimed to persuade the public of the necessity for a stronger federal government and support for the Constitution's ratification.
Addressed skepticism stemming from experiences under King George III, aiming to alleviate fears.

Authors

Composed by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.

Federalist 39 Argument

Madison claimed the new government is national but maintains a division of powers among states, municipalities, and people.
Advocated for a bicameral legislature and reelection requirements for representatives as a means of ensuring republican governance.

Government Power Distribution

Madison sought to prevent concentrated power, encouraging distribution across branches of federal and state governments, and the populace.

Election of U.S. Senators

Originally elected by state legislatures; currently elected directly by the people.
Initial design aimed to ensure state representation, viewing the federal government as a voluntary union, not a single majority-ruled entity.

Anti-Federalists

Skeptical group regarding the proposed Constitution, advocating for a government that enumerated rights alongside powers.
Concerned about potential tyranny due to excessive governmental power post-Revolution.

Contribution of the Anti-Federalists

Led to the establishment of the Bill of Rights, ensuring individual protections against government overreach.

Revenue Generation Beliefs

James Wilson favored tariffs as the primary revenue source for the government.
Cincinnatus predicted a shift to direct taxation of the populace.

Taxation Types

Progressive income tax: Tax rate increases with higher income.
Flat tax: Same tax rate applies to everyone, regardless of income level.

Brutus's Argument in AF 84

Advocated for inclusion of a Bill of Rights in the national Constitution to prevent tyranny and protect individual rights.

Argument Against AF 84

Some deemed a Bill of Rights unnecessary, as state constitutions already had such protections.
"What is not granted is reserved" suggests powers not delegated to the federal government remain with the states.

Federalist 46 Author

Written by James Madison.

Purpose of Federalist 46

Aimed to reassure citizens that state and local governments would retain power despite the new Constitution.

Feasibility of States Repelling Federal Threats

Generally considered unrealistic in modern contexts due to federal military superiority and advanced weaponry inaccessible to the general populace.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from American Government, particularly focusing on the Federalist Papers and their significance in the ratification of the Constitution. Prepare for Exam 2 by mastering the critical ideas that shaped the nation.