American Political Culture and Democracy Theories
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best defines popular sovereignty?

  • Citizens have limited rights
  • Power held by the elites
  • Government's authority comes from the people (correct)
  • Direct democracy is enforced

The concept of natural rights includes the right to life, liberty, and property.

True (A)

What was one of the main grievances listed by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence?

No representation

The idea that people allow governments to rule over them ensures an orderly society is known as the ______.

<p>social contract</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the theories of democracy with their descriptions:

<p>Participation Democratic Theory = Emphasizes widespread political participation is essential Pluralist Theory = Focuses on the role of groups in political decision-making Elitist Theory = Suggests a small group has disproportionate influence Popular Sovereignty = Authority comes from the people</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of republicanism?

<p>Lack of representation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Elitist Theory suggests that all groups have equal power in the policymaking process.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one way in which citizens can participate in democracy outside of government control.

<p>Joining voluntary associations</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Enlightenment principle that emphasizes the right to pursue one's happiness is part of the concept of ______.

<p>liberty</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization represents a group that seeks to influence policy outcomes regarding gun rights?

<p>NRA (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a Constitutional Republic?

<p>A democracy with elected representatives governed by a constitution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shay's Rebellion demonstrated the strength of the Articles of Confederation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution'?

<p>James Madison</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution was adopted in __________.

<p>1787</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical events to their significance:

<p>Shay's Rebellion = Illustrated the weakness of the Articles of Confederation Annapolis Convention = Addressed trade disputes among states Articles of Confederation = Provided a loose league of friendship among states Philadelphia Convention = Led to the creation of the Constitution</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major problem of the Articles of Confederation?

<p>Weak national government and inability to regulate commerce (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Bill of Rights is included in the main body of the Constitution.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the framers' goals regarding individual liberties?

<p>To create a strong fiscal and military state while protecting individual liberty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A __________ is a government ruled by representatives of the people.

<p>republic</p> Signup and view all the answers

What rights are protected to ensure individuals are informed of legal charges against them?

<p>Writ of habeas corpus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of legislature did the Virginia Plan propose?

<p>Bicameral legislature (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Great Compromise established a unicameral legislature.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

<p>It counted slaves as 3/5 of a person for representation purposes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The _____ Plan proposed that each state should have one vote in a unicameral legislature.

<p>New Jersey</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms to their definitions:

<p>Separation of Powers = Distribution of power among different branches of government Checks and Balances = Mechanism that allows one branch to limit the powers of another Federalism = Division of power between national and state governments Judicial Review = Power of courts to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which clause grants Congress the power to carry out its enumerated powers?

<p>Necessary and Proper Clause (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Supreme Court is the lowest court in the federal court system.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who selects the President of the United States?

<p>The Electoral College</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process by which changes may be made to the Constitution is called an ___.

<p>amendment</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major concern of the Anti-Federalists during the ratification debates?

<p>Concentration of power in a central government (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Constitutional Republic

A system where elected representatives make decisions, and the Constitution holds the highest legal authority.

Constitution

A document that outlines a government's fundamental principles and establishes its institutions.

Republic

A government where citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

League of Friendship

A weak national government created by the Articles of Confederation, designed to prevent tyranny.

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Articles of Confederation

The first attempt at a national government in the United States, established in 1777.

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Shay's Rebellion

A rebellion led by Daniel Shays against the Massachusetts government, highlighting the weakness of the Articles of Confederation.

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Annapolis Convention

A convention called in 1786 to address trade disputes, which led to the call for a new Constitutional Convention.

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Writ of Habeas Corpus

The right to know the charges against you when arrested.

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Bills of Attainder

A law that declares someone guilty without a trial is illegal.

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Ex Post Facto Laws

A law that cannot be applied retroactively (to past actions) is illegal.

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Republicanism

The idea that the government's authority comes from the people, citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf, emphasizing accountability through free, fair, and frequent elections.

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Participation Democratic Theory

This theory emphasizes widespread political participation as crucial for a healthy democracy. It encourages citizens to engage in groups outside government control, fostering a robust civil society.

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Pluralist Theory

It argues that power is dispersed among various competing groups, with no single group dominating. This leads to bargaining and compromise, as different groups exert pressure on policymakers.

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Elitist Theory

This theory suggests a small elite group holds disproportionate influence over policymaking. It often points to wealthy interest groups and donors who exert significant pressure on elected officials.

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Natural Rights

The rights to life, liberty, and property are considered inherent and cannot be taken away by the government. Enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

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Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the people are the ultimate source of political power. It implies that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

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Democracy

A system of government where power is derived from the consent of the governed. Citizens participate in the political process through elections and other forms of engagement.

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Social Contract

The agreement between the people and their government where individuals give up some freedom in exchange for protection and order. It underpins the idea of authority and social stability.

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Liberty

The concept of freedom from interference by the government, allowing individuals to pursue their own goals and aspirations without undue restrictions.

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Grievances against the King

The British government was accused of violating the colonists' natural rights, imposing unfair taxes, and denying representation. Listed in the Declaration of Independence to justify the revolution.

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Separation of Powers

A system where power is divided among different branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Each branch has specific powers and checks on the other branches.

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Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government has the ability to limit the power of the other branches. This prevents any one branch from becoming too dominant.

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Federalism

The division of power between the national government and state governments. This ensures a balance of authority and prevents a single entity from dominating.

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House of Representatives

The lower house of Congress, with representation based on a state's population.

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Senate

The upper house of Congress, with equal representation for each state (two senators per state).

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Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to the federal government in the Constitution. These powers are clearly stated and defined.

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Necessary and Proper Clause

This clause grants Congress the authority to pass laws that are necessary to carry out its enumerated powers. It allows the government to adapt and address new challenges.

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Implied Powers

Powers that are not explicitly written in the Constitution but are implied based on the necessary and proper clause. These powers enable the government to function effectively and meet changing needs.

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Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing and carrying out laws passed by Congress.

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Supreme Court

The highest court in the land, with the power to review laws and actions of other branches of government and ensure they are constitutional.

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Study Notes

Section 1.2: American Political Culture

  • Americans base their rights on revolutionary ideas, forming the nation's core principles.
  • These principles include democracy, natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
  • Enlightenment principles shaped American revolutionary ideals. These ideals focus on democracy, natural rights (to life, liberty, and property), and the social contract (where people allow governance to ensure order and productivity).
  • The Declaration of Independence argues against British rule, asserting inalienable rights and grievances against King George III.

Section 1.3: Competing Theories of Democracy

  • Political scientists have different ideas about how power is distributed in a democracy.
  • Power can be distributed among political elites, competing groups, or by the masses.
  • Pluralist theory emphasizes the role of groups in policymaking, with competing groups influencing the policymaking process. This prevents any single group from dominating.
  • Elitist theory suggests that elites have disproportionate amounts of influence, represented by wealthy interest groups and donors.

Section 2.1: Creating a Republic

  • The Constitution was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777. Its initial aim was to create a "League of Friendship" among the states but was intended to be revised.
  • The goal was to create a republic (a government ruled by representatives) that avoided tyranny.
  • The Articles of Confederation were flawed, leading to problems in the young nation, prompting calls for a strong central government.
  • The Constitution successfully established a strong national government with a balance of powers between states and the federal government.

Section 2.2: The End of the Articles

  • The Annapolis Convention (1786), aimed at addressing trade disputes, was poorly attended.
  • Shay's Rebellion revealed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
  • Shortcomings of the Articles included issues with money, debt, and lack of regulation among the states. Crises of this sort could no longer be ignored.
  • The Articles' weaknesses spurred calls for a stronger central government.

Section 2.x: Institutions, Systems and Power

  • Questions regarding government power, distribution, and structure are integral to creating a government.
  • Institutions like the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary share and balance power (Separation of Powers).
  • Constitutional Republic: A democratic system with elected representatives, whose main governing rule is that of the Constitution.
  • The constitution outlines the essential principles and structures of governance.

Section 2.x: Checks and Balances and Powers

  • Checks and Balances are a design of government where every branch of government has some control over the others. The goal is to prevent an excessive amount of power falling into one branch, thus preventing tyranny.
  • Separation of Powers: A way to divide governmental power among multiple branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) in order to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.
  • Enumerated Powers are those expressly given to the federal government in the Constitution.
  • Necessary and Proper Clause grants Congress implied powers
  • The powers that are not explicitly given are reserved for states or individuals.

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Chapter 1 American Politics PDF

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Explore the foundational principles of American political culture and the various theories of democracy that shape it. Understand the importance of Enlightenment ideas, the Declaration of Independence, and how power is distributed within a democratic framework.

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