Political Philosophy: Natural Rights & Social Contract

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Questions and Answers

What are natural rights according to John Locke?

Rights granted by the government to citizens.

Rights that can be surrendered under certain conditions.

Privileges that are contingent on citizenship.

Inalienable rights inherent to all individuals. (correct)

What does the social contract theory emphasize?

Government can act without the consent of the governed.

Government's legitimacy is based on protecting individual rights. (correct)

Citizens have no right to change their government.

People should not question the authority of the government.

Which of the following best describes republicanism?

A framework that allows for unlimited government authority.

A political system focused on hereditary leadership.

A system where elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the people. (correct)

A system where citizens have total control over the government.

What is meant by the principle of popular sovereignty?

Political authority ultimately resides with individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of inalienable rights?

Right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a constitutional democracy?

Government operates strictly according to a constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What role does civil society play in government accountability?

It fosters a network of voluntary associations outside of government. Signup and view all the answers

What is political ideology concerned with?

Beliefs and values regarding government and individual rights. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

The creation of a new Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which principle guarantees that individuals cannot be held without being charged with a crime?

Writ of Habeas Corpus Signup and view all the answers

What did the Virginia Plan propose regarding legislative representation?

Bicameral legislature based on population Signup and view all the answers

What did the New Jersey Plan advocate for?

Equal representation regardless of size Signup and view all the answers

What key compromise involved counting enslaved individuals for representation?

Three-Fifths Compromise Signup and view all the answers

Which clause in the Constitution gives Congress the authority to make laws necessary for executing its powers?

Elastic Clause Signup and view all the answers

What does federalism refer to in the context of the Constitution?

Division of powers between national and state governments Signup and view all the answers

What was a major concern of the Antifederalists regarding the Constitution?

The potential threat to individual liberties Signup and view all the answers

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land Signup and view all the answers

Which Federalist paper discusses the dangers of factions?

Federalist No. 10 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the goal of the Grand Committee during the Constitutional Convention?

To create a compromise between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To persuade states to ratify the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'bills of attainder' refer to?

Laws that punish individuals without a trial Signup and view all the answers

What process requires a state to return fugitives to the state where a crime was committed?

Extradition Signup and view all the answers

Which clause prevents discrimination by a state against citizens of other states?

Privileges and Immunities Clause Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Dual Federalism?

Minimal overlap between federal and state governments Signup and view all the answers

Which type of grant provides federal funds for specific purposes with strict conditions?

Categorical Grants Signup and view all the answers

What process applies certain rights from the Bill of Rights to the states?

Selective Incorporation Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to government funds allocated for local projects beneficial to specific districts?

Pork Barrel Spending Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the oversight function of Congress?

To evaluate executive actions and agency effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves the redistribution of congressional seats based on population?

Apportionment Signup and view all the answers

What is characterized by the sharing of powers between federal and state governments?

Cooperative Federalism Signup and view all the answers

What are unfunded mandates?

Laws requiring states to perform certain actions without federal funding Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the trading of votes among legislators?

Logrolling Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the process of giving certain powers back to the states from the federal government?

Devolution Signup and view all the answers

What type of grant provides states with more flexibility but is generally for more general purposes?

Block Grants Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Fiscal Federalism?

Financial relationships between different government levels Signup and view all the answers

What does participatory democracy emphasize?

Grassroots involvement in decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that power in democracy is shared among many groups?

Pluralist Theory Signup and view all the answers

What structure prevents any one branch of the U.S. government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and Balances Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of federalism?

Division of power between national and state authorities Signup and view all the answers

How is a constitutional republic different from a pure democracy?

It is governed by law rather than direct votes Signup and view all the answers

Which political ideology emphasizes government intervention to reduce inequality?

Liberalism Signup and view all the answers

What concept is illustrated by the belief that rights are inherent and not granted by the government?

Natural Rights Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

Lack of a strong central government Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution?

Shays’s Rebellion showcasing governmental shortcomings Signup and view all the answers

What does American exceptionalism refer to?

The idea of a unique role for the U.S. in promoting democracy Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government is primarily responsible for creating laws?

Legislative Signup and view all the answers

How does conservatism generally view government involvement in the economy?

Supports market-driven solutions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the principle of separation of powers?

Division of governmental authority into three branches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of redistricting?

To ensure fair representation following population changes. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the manipulation of district boundaries for political advantage?

Gerrymandering Signup and view all the answers

What describes a district drawn primarily to enhance the electoral power of minority groups?

Majority-minority district Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the incumbency advantage?

Established connections and resources favoring current officeholders. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Speaker of the House have in Congress?

To manage the legislative agenda of the House of Representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

To influence elections through fundraising and spending. Signup and view all the answers

Which committee is primarily responsible for setting the rules for debate on the House floor?

House Rules Committee Signup and view all the answers

What is a filibuster?

An extended debate to delay a vote on a bill. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between mandatory and discretionary spending?

Mandatory spending involves entitlement programs; discretionary spending does not. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a budget deficit occurs?

The government's expenditures are greater than its revenues. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'delegate role' of a legislator involve?

Representing constituents' wishes, even against personal beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Senate Majority Leader chosen?

By the majority party in the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

Which tactic allows a senator to delay or block a vote on a bill?

Hold Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a unanimous consent agreement in the Senate?

To expedite legislative consideration without formal voting. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Madison’s view on the role of federal and state governments?

Federal power is limited while states maintain domestic authority. Signup and view all the answers

What principle is illustrated by Article V's amendment process?

Federalism Signup and view all the answers

What implication does the cartoon about the right to bear arms have regarding the founding fathers?

They did not foresee modern advancements in weaponry. Signup and view all the answers

In a unitary system, where does the power predominantly reside?

At the national level, with states having minimal authority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of exclusive powers of the federal government?

Coining money Signup and view all the answers

What do implied powers refer to in the context of the U.S. Constitution?

Powers not mentioned but inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause Signup and view all the answers

Which clause establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land?

Supremacy Clause Signup and view all the answers

What does the Tenth Amendment emphasize regarding federal and state powers?

Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved to states or the people. Signup and view all the answers

Concurrent powers are defined as those that are shared by which levels of government?

Both federal and state governments Signup and view all the answers

What does the Full Faith and Credit Clause require of states?

To recognize the public acts and judicial proceedings of other states Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a federal system of government?

Powers are divided between national and state governments. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily meant by supremacy in federalism?

Federal laws always prevail in legal conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

Which power is designated as an enumerated power of Congress?

Declaring war Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a correct interpretation of the Necessary and Proper Clause?

It allows Congress to make laws needed to carry out its powers. Signup and view all the answers

What role do reserved powers play in the U.S. federal system?

They are not granted to the federal government or prohibited to states. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Rights

John Locke's theory posits inherent rights to life, liberty, and property.
These rights are inalienable, cannot be surrendered.
Locke influenced the Declaration of Independence, with rights derived from a higher power.

An agreement between individuals and government, where people consent to be governed.
Legitimacy of government rests on protecting rights; if violated, people can alter or abolish it.

Republicanism

A political system with elected representatives.
Emphasizes limited government to protect rights.
Rule of law and separation of powers curb tyranny.

Popular Sovereignty

Ultimate political authority resides with the people.
Government's power originates from consent of the governed (e.g., "We the People").

Inalienable Rights

Rights inherent to human dignity and freedom, cannot be taken away.
Includes life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (Declaration of Independence).

Liberty

Freedom from unwarranted government interference in lives.
Essential in American political culture and Bill of Rights.

Constitutional Democracy

System where government powers are defined and limited by a constitution.
Citizens elect representatives to uphold rights and limit government action.

Civil Society

Network of voluntary associations outside government.
Promotes social capital, public participation, and accountability.

Political Ideology

Set of beliefs about government, rights, and justice.
Ranges from liberalism (government action) to conservatism (individual responsibility).

Participatory Democracy

Model where citizens directly engage in decision-making.
Emphasizes grassroots involvement and direct democracy.

Pluralist Theory

Power distributed among various groups.
Policy decisions result from competition and compromise.

Elitist Theory

Power held by a small elite group, potentially at public expense.
Challenges democratic ideals.

Federalism

Divides power between national and state governments.
Balances centralized authority and state autonomy.

Checks and Balances

Branches of government limit each other's powers.
Prevents overreach by one department.

Separation of Powers

Divides government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities.

Constitutional Republic

U.S. government based on rule of law and elected officials.
Differs from direct democracies where citizens directly make laws.

Political Culture

Shared beliefs, values, and customs about government and society.
American political culture emphasizes individualism, liberty, and equality.

American Exceptionalism

Belief that U.S. has a unique role in promoting freedom globally.
Rooted in founding principles like natural rights and popular sovereignty.

Liberalism

Advocates for government intervention to ensure social equality.
Emphasis on social justice and economic regulation.

Conservatism

Favors limited government intervention in economic and social matters.
Prioritizes individual responsibility and traditional values.

Libertarianism

Emphasizes individual freedom and minimal government intervention, particularly in economic and social spheres.

Constitution

Supreme law of the land outlining the structure of government.
Drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788.

Republic

Form of government with representative rather than direct democracy.
U.S. is established as a constitutional republic.

Articles of Confederation

First governing document of the U.S.
Created a unicameral legislature with limited central power.
Failed to provide stability or security.

Shays's Rebellion

Armed farmers' uprising protesting economic injustice under the Articles.
Highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and spurred the Constitutional Convention.

Constitutional Convention

Meeting to revise the Articles of Confederation.
Resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
Key debates centered on representation, slavery, and power balance.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Protects individuals from unlawful imprisonment.
Constitutional right with limited exceptions.

Bills of Attainder

Laws punishing individuals without trial.
Prohibited by the Constitution to prevent arbitrary actions.

Ex Post Facto Laws

Laws punishing acts not illegal when committed.
Prohibited by the Constitution to ensure fairness.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a bicameral legislature based on population.
Favored by larger states, opposed by smaller states.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal state representation.
Favored by smaller states.

Great Compromise

Combined elements of Virginia and New Jersey Plans.
Created a bicameral legislature with proportional and equal representation in the House and Senate, respectively.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.
A compromise addressing Southern and Northern interests.

Compromise on Importation

Delayed congressional action on banning the importation of enslaved people for 20 years.
Allowed Southern states to accept the Constitution.

Legislative Branch

Expressed powers: explicitly listed powers in the Constitution.
Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause): grants implied powers.

Executive Branch

President enforces laws, is commander-in-chief, makes treaties, appoints judges.

Judicial Branch

Interprets laws fairly, ensuring constitutionality.

Supremacy Clause

Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are supreme.
Federal law prevails over conflicting state laws.

Federalists

Supported a strong central government and the Constitution.
Key figures included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.
Argued in The Federalist Papers for ratification.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the Constitution, fearing its power.
Advocated for a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
Wrote Brutus No. 1 against ratification.

Federalist No. 51

Advocates for separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

Federalist No. 10

Addresses the problem of factions.
Argues for a large republic to prevent single factions from controlling government.

AP® Exam Practice (Scenario 1)

Political cartoons depict conflicting political views on personal finances and the role of government.
Illustrates how personal interests can contradict political ideologies.

AP® Exam Practice (Scenario 2)

Explicitly connects natural rights to a higher power, not government.
Emphasizes that rights are inherent, not granted by the state.

AP® Exam Practice (Scenario 3)

Graph shows increasing income inequality (top 1% increasing share; bottom 90% decreasing).
Suggests significant economic disparity.

AP® Exam Practice (Scenario 4)

Cartoon depicts the potential generational gap in interpreting the Second Amendment.
Implies founding fathers did not foresee modern weaponry limitations.

Federalism: Chapter 3 Review

Federalism: Power shared between national and state governments.
Unitary System: Power concentrated at national level; states' authority limited.
Confederal System: Power retained by state governments; limited central authority.

Constitutional Provisions and Concepts

Enumerated Powers: Powers specifically given to the federal government. Examples include taxing, commerce regulation, and war declarations.
Exclusive Powers: Powers unique to either the federal or state governments that cannot be exercised by the other.
Implied Powers (Elastic Clause): Powers inferred from the Constitution, enabling Congress to enact laws.
Commerce Clause: Gives Congress power to regulate interstate trade.
Necessary and Proper Clause: Allows Congress to make laws needed for executing powers.
Supremacy Clause: Federal law trumps conflicting state laws.
Tenth Amendment: Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states or the people.
Reserved Powers: Powers of state governments (e.g., education, elections, licenses).
Concurrent Powers: Shared powers of federal and state governments (e.g., taxation, courts).

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to respect laws, records, and judicial rulings of other states.
Ensures uniformity in legal processes between states.

Extradition

Process of one state handing a criminal over to another for prosecution.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Prevents states from discriminating against citizens of other states.
Ensures equal treatment for those from different states.

Federalism in Practice

Dual Federalism: Limited shared authority, distinct spheres (layer-cake); prevalent early in U.S. history.
Selective Incorporation: Applying parts of the Bill of Rights to the states via the Fourteenth Amendment.
Cooperative Federalism: Collaborative effort between federal and state governments (marble cake); prevalent after the New Deal.

Federal Grants and Financial Federalism

Grants-in-Aid: Federal funds for state and local programs (categorical and block grants).
Fiscal Federalism: Relationship between national and state funding through grants.
Categorical Grants: Federal funds with strict conditions for use in specific areas.
Unfunded Mandates: Federal regulations without funding.
Block Grants: Federal funds with fewer conditions, more flexibility in spending areas.
Revenue Sharing: Distributing federal funds with few restrictions.
Devolution: Shift of power from federal to state governments.

Congress and Legislative Process: Chapter 4 Review

Pork Barrel Spending: Allocation of funds for local projects to gain support.
Logrolling: Trading votes by legislators for mutual support.
Oversight: Congressional review of executive branch actions.
Constituency: People represented by a legislator.
Apportionment: Distributing House seats by population.
Redistricting: Redrawing congressional district boundaries.
Gerrymandering: Manipulating district boundaries to benefit a political party
Incumbency: Holding a political office.
Incumbency Advantage: Advantages incumbents have in re-election.

Key Congressional Roles and Institutions

Speaker of the House: Presiding officer, sets the legislative agenda in the House.
Political Action Committees (PACs): Organizations funding political campaigns.
Majority Leader (House & Senate): Assists the Speaker; coordinates party strategies.
Whips: Maintain party discipline; count votes.
Minority Leader: Primary spokesperson for the minority party.
Committee Chair: Leader of a congressional committee.
Discharge Petition: Bringing a bill out of committee for a floor vote.
House Rules Committee: Determines rules for House floor debate.
Committee of the Whole: House procedural mechanism for debate and amendment.
Hold: Senate delaying tactic to block a nomination or bill.
Unanimous Consent Agreement: Expedited Senate legislation without formal vote.
Filibuster: Senate delaying tactic requiring a cloture vote to end.
Cloture: Procedure to end a filibuster, requiring 60 votes.
Veto: President's power to reject a bill.

Congressional Roles of Legislators

Delegate Role: Representatives act according to constituent wishes.
Trustee Role: Representatives make decisions based on their judgment.
Politico Role: Mix of delegate and trustee roles, using both constituent and personal judgment.

Government and Political Dynamics

Bipartisanship: Cooperation between parties.
Gridlock: Inability to pass legislation due to political division.
Divided Government: Different parties control different branches.
Lame Duck Period: Time between election and a politician's term end, especially when they are not re-elected.
Entitlement Program: Government program benefiting eligible individuals (e.g., Social Security).
Mandatory Spending: Required government spending.
Discretionary Spending: Government spending subject to annual appropriations.
Budget Surplus: Excess revenue over expenditures.
Budget Deficit: Excess expenditures over revenue.
National Debt: Total amount owed by the government.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in political philosophy, focusing on John Locke's theories of natural rights, social contract, and republicanism. Test your understanding of the principles that underpin modern democratic governance, including popular sovereignty and inalienable rights.