Questions and Answers
What is a constitutional democracy?
In performing the Edmund Burke role, what does a contemporary legislator do when voting for a bill opposed by their constituents?
The Constitution was ratified by?
Why did the writers of the Constitution devise the Electoral College?
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Which of the following chronologies is correct?
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Under the original Constitution, Congress could not ban the slave trade until?
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Who wrote the Federalist Papers?
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Who is the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
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How are presidents selected?
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Andrew Jackson persuaded the states to choose their presidential electors on what basis?
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What does the Constitution prevent the government from doing regarding the writ of habeas corpus?
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What was Shay's Rebellion?
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What philosophical influence is reflected in the words of the Declaration of Independence?
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Who is most associated with the concept of separation of powers?
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The principle of checks and balances is based on the notion that?
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According to the Constitution, what is the role of the judiciary?
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What are the inalienable rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence?
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Where is the Bill of Rights found in the Constitution?
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What is the traditional objection to democratic government?
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The term of office for a U.S. senator is _____ years, while that of a member of the U.S. House is ____ years.
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The document that explains the ideas of the Constitution and urges its ratification is the?
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Why did the writers of the Constitution justify different methods of selection and varying terms of office?
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What was the first plan of government for the United States?
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What is judicial review?
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Who was serving as chief justice of the Supreme Court during the case of Marbury v. Madison?
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Which nation has neither separation of powers nor judicial review?
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The idea that government should be limited in its lawful uses of power is expressed by the term?
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Which development in the national political system provided for more popular control?
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Early Americans' preference for limited government was strengthened by?
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What political arrangement did the Framers of the Constitution prefer?
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The 'three-fifths compromise' was a response to?
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In practice, what is the most significant restraint imposed by Congress on the president?
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Study Notes
Constitutional Democracy
- A constitutional democracy balances governance with principles of democracy and law, emphasizing rights and freedoms for all citizens.
Edmund Burke Role
- A legislator behaving as a "Trustee" prioritizes their judgment over constituents' preferences, exemplified by voting for a bill against public opinion.
Ratification of the Constitution
- The U.S. Constitution was ratified primarily through State Conventions rather than state legislatures or a national vote.
Electoral College Purpose
- The Electoral College was designed to insulate the presidency from direct popular influence and to regulate the balance of power between executive and legislative branches.
Historical Chronology
- Key events: Boston Tea Party occurred in 1773, the First Continental Congress in 1774, and the Declaration of Independence was declared in 1776.
Slave Trade Prohibition
- Under the original Constitution, Congress could not prohibit the slave trade until 1808.
Federalist Papers Authors
- The Federalist Papers were authored by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution.
Declaration of Independence Authorship
- Thomas Jefferson is recognized as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, articulating revolutionary ideas.
Presidential Selection
- Presidents are elected through the Electoral College, composed of electors chosen by popular vote in each state.
Role of Popular Voting
- Andrew Jackson promoted selecting presidential electors based on popular voting, reinforcing the democratic process in electoral systems.
Writ of Habeas Corpus
- The Constitution protects individuals from being imprisoned without a court hearing to assess the legality of their detention.
Shay's Rebellion Impact
- Shay's Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the national government, persuading leaders for stronger federal authority.
Philosophical Influences
- The Declaration of Independence draws upon John Locke's philosophy, particularly the idea of inalienable rights.
Separation of Powers
- The concept of separation of powers is chiefly associated with Montesquieu, ensuring that power is not concentrated in any one branch of government.
Checks and Balances
- The principle of checks and balances maintains that power must counterbalance power, ensuring that no branch exceeds its authority.
Judicial Authority
- According to the Constitution, the judiciary holds the authority to interpret laws and their applications.
Inalienable Rights
- The Declaration of Independence asserts certain inalienable rights, namely life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Bill of Rights
- The Bill of Rights is included in the first ten amendments of the Constitution, safeguarding individual liberties.
Democratic Government Concerns
- A traditional concern regarding democratic governance is the "tyranny of the majority," where majority rule may infringe upon minority rights.
Senatorial and House Terms
- U.S. senators serve six-year terms, while members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms.
Document Urging Constitution's Ratification
- The Federalist Papers functioned as a guiding document explaining Constitutional principles and encouraging its adoption.
Guarding Against Majorities
- Different selection methods and term lengths for federal offices were established to protect against majoritarian rule.
First U.S. Government Framework
- The initial government structure was a confederation, reflecting a system of loose alliances among states.
Judicial Review
- Judicial review grants American courts the ability to deem laws unconstitutional and thus invalid.
Chief Justice during Marbury v. Madison
- John Marshall served as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for the landmark case Marbury v. Madison, which established judicial review.
Governance Models
- Great Britain lacks both separation of powers and established judicial review, differing significantly from the U.S. system.
Limited Government Concept
- The term "Limited Government" denotes the principle that government powers should be restricted to safeguard individual freedoms.
Popular Control in Politics
- Developments enhancing popular control within the national political system include various reforms aimed at increasing voter engagement and representation.
Preference for Limited Government
- Early American sentiments leaned towards limited government, influenced by historical context and philosophies of individual rights.
Preference for a Republic
- The Framers of the Constitution preferred a republic over a direct democracy, which they perceived as unstable.
Three-Fifths Compromise
- The "three-fifths compromise" was a political deal addressing the contentious issue of slavery and representation in Congress.
Congressional Restraints on the Presidency
- The most significant limitation Congress places on the president involves its power of law-making and budget approval, essential for regulating presidential authority.
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Test your knowledge with these flashcards from AP Government Chapter 2. Each card provides a key term or concept along with its definition, allowing for effective studying. Perfect for mastering foundational ideas in constitutional democracy and legislative roles.
