Government Structures and Principles

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Questions and Answers

How is power distributed in unitary, federal, and confederate governments?

Confederacy = Sovereignty lies with the central government

Federal = Powers are split between a central government and local governments (correct)

Unitary = Sovereignty lies with local governments

Unitary = Powers are divided between state and national government

Which type of government structure would be threatened by debate over public policy?

Dictatorships/Autocracies

What are the five basic American concepts of democracy?

1.) Belief in the fundamental worth of the individual. 2.) Equality under the law. 3.) Majority Rule while protecting minority rights. 4.) Maximize individual freedoms. 5.) Recognize that compromise is a necessity.

How has the Supreme Court's traditional interpretation of the commerce clause impacted federal power?

The Supreme Court has generally ruled in favor of the federal government when claiming powers from the commerce clause. Signup and view all the answers

What are the basic principles of the social contract theory?

The state was created voluntarily by free people, governmental power is granted by the people, the people may limit the government's power, the contract is null and void if the government violates the rights of the people. Signup and view all the answers

What four characteristics must a unit of government have to be considered a state?

A population, living in a defined territory, organized politically (a government), with sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as the 'father of the constitution'?

James Madison Signup and view all the answers

What were the anti-federalist's main arguments against the Constitution?

The constitution unfairly benefited the wealthy, there was no Bill of Rights, the convention was organized illegally, states would lose their sovereignty, the national government had too strong powers. Signup and view all the answers

What were the main flaws within the Articles of Confederation?

The Congress could not tax, regulate trade, and there was no executive branch to enforce laws. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutional crisis was revealed as a result of Shay's Rebellion?

The crisis revealed the need for a national executive to enforce law in times when the states could not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between expressed, implied, delegated, and reserved powers?

Expressed powers are clearly enumerated in the Constitution; implied powers are not clearly written but derived from expressed powers; reserved powers are those not given to the national government. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Federalist Papers originally written?

To win support for the Constitution in New York. Signup and view all the answers

How is the American belief in popular sovereignty expressed in the U.S. Constitution?

It is made clear in the preamble: 'We the people...' Signup and view all the answers

What are the major differences between divine right theory, social contract theory, force theory, and evolutionary theory?

Divine Right = Government exists because God created it; Social Contract = Government exists because people created it; Force Theory = Government exists because rulers are powerful; Evolutionary Theory = Government evolved from family units. Signup and view all the answers

What are some common examples of the checks and balances found in the U.S. Constitution?

Presidential veto, Congressional override of a veto, impeachment proceedings. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Government Structures

Unitary Governments: All major powers and sovereignty reside with the central government.
Federal Governments: Powers are divided between the central government and local governments, with sovereignty held by the central authority.
Confederate Governments: Sovereignty and major powers rest with local governments, not the central authority.

Threats to Government Structures

Dictatorships/Autocracies: These government forms are at risk due to public policy debates that could undermine absolute control.

Core Democratic Principles

Fundamental Worth: Emphasizes the value of the individual.
Equality: All citizens are equal under the law.
Majority Rule: Majority decisions are respected while minority rights are protected.
Individual Freedoms: The focus is on maximizing personal liberties.
Compromise: Acknowledges the necessity of finding mutually acceptable solutions.

Supreme Court and Federal Power

The Supreme Court has interpreted the commerce clause to favor federal power, contributing to the expansion of federal authority through implied powers.

Governments are formed voluntarily by people; authority comes from the consent of the governed.
People have the right to limit governmental power.
If rights are violated, the social contract becomes void.

Characteristics of a State

Must have:
- A defined population
- A specific territory
- An organized political structure (government)
- Sovereignty

James Madison

Known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in its drafting and promotion.

Anti-Federalist Opposition to the Constitution

Argued that it favored the wealthy; lacked a Bill of Rights; was deemed illegally organized; undermined state sovereignty; and risked despotism due to concentrated national power.

Flaws of the Articles of Confederation

Congress lacked the power to tax or regulate trade; no executive branch existed; and amendments required consensus from all 13 states.
Congress could conduct foreign affairs, borrow money, coin currency, set weights and measures, and raise volunteer armies from state militias.

Shay's Rebellion

Exposed the inadequacy of the Articles of Confederation, highlighting the necessity for a national executive capable of enforcing laws when states failed.

Powers Defined

Expressed Powers: Clearly enumerated in the Constitution (e.g., taxation, trade regulation, war declaration).
Implied Powers: Derived from expressed powers and the necessary and proper clause (e.g., national bank establishment).
Reserved Powers: Powers not given to the federal government, reserved for states via the 10th Amendment (e.g., education, marriage, driver's licenses).

Purpose of Federalist Papers

Written to garner support for the Constitution, particularly in New York State.

Popular Sovereignty in the Constitution

Expressed in the preamble with the phrase "We the people..."

Theories on the Origins of the State

Divine Right Theory: Government and rulers derive authority from God.
Social Contract Theory: Authority comes from the people's will.
Force Theory: Government exists through the domination of the strongest.
Evolutionary Theory: Governments evolve from familial structures to complex societies.

Checks and Balances in the Constitution

Key examples include presidential vetoes, Congressional overrides, and impeachment processes to maintain balance among branches of government.

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Description

Explore the various forms of government, including unitary, federal, and confederate systems, along with the threats they face from autocratic regimes. This quiz also covers core democratic principles such as individual worth, equality, and compromise. Test your understanding of how these concepts interact within governmental frameworks.