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What is a constitutional democracy?
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?
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?
The Constitution was ratified by?
Why did the writers of the Constitution devise the Electoral College?
Why did the writers of the Constitution devise the Electoral College?
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Which of the following chronologies is correct?
Which of the following chronologies is correct?
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Under the original Constitution, Congress could not ban the slave trade until?
Under the original Constitution, Congress could not ban the slave trade until?
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Who wrote the Federalist Papers?
Who wrote the Federalist Papers?
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Who is the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Who is the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
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How are presidents selected?
How are presidents selected?
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Andrew Jackson persuaded the states to choose their presidential electors on what basis?
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?
What does the Constitution prevent the government from doing regarding the writ of habeas corpus?
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What was Shay's Rebellion?
What was Shay's Rebellion?
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What philosophical influence is reflected in the words of the Declaration of Independence?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Where is the Bill of Rights found in the Constitution?
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What is the traditional objection to democratic government?
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.
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?
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?
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?
What was the first plan of government for the United States?
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What is judicial review?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Early Americans' preference for limited government was strengthened by?
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What political arrangement did the Framers of the Constitution prefer?
What political arrangement did the Framers of the Constitution prefer?
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The 'three-fifths compromise' was a response to?
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?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
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.
