Social Studies: Constitution and Tyranny

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Questions and Answers

What is federalism?

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments.

How does federalism guard against tyranny?

By dividing the government into two so that the government has power but the states have power too.

What does James Madison's quote about different governments controlling each other imply?

It provides double security for the government.

What is meant by separation of powers?

Dividing the powers of government among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning behind Madison's quote about the accumulation of powers?

The meaning is for the branches to have their own powers and not allow one branch to dominate. Signup and view all the answers

What does each branch of government do?

The Legislative branch makes laws, the Executive branch carries out the laws, and the Judicial branch evaluates the laws. Signup and view all the answers

How does separation of powers guard against tyranny?

Separation of powers guards against tyranny because all three branches have to approve on something. Signup and view all the answers

What are checks and balances?

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches. Signup and view all the answers

How can the legislature check the power of the chief executive?

By approving Presidential nominations, overriding the presidential veto, and impeaching the president. Signup and view all the answers

How can the president check the power of the Supreme Court?

By appointing new judges. Signup and view all the answers

How can the Supreme Court check the Senate?

By declaring laws unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

How do the framers guard against tyranny?

By giving the branches enough power that they can limit each other. Signup and view all the answers

Which states had the smallest representation in the House of Representatives?

Rhode Island Signup and view all the answers

Who had the most representation in the House of Representatives?

Virginia Signup and view all the answers

How was the number of representatives in the House determined?

They were determined by population. Signup and view all the answers

How does the big states vs. small states issue guard against tyranny?

By ensuring every state has one or more representatives. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Federalism

Federalism divides power between national and state governments, preventing concentration of authority.
National government manages taxation; state governments handle education, ensuring local control.

James Madison's Perspective

Madison's quote emphasizes a system of double security where different governments counterbalance each other.
This layered governance provides stability and reduces risks of tyranny.

Separation of Powers

Powers are divided among three branches: legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws).
Each branch operates independently, preventing any single branch from gaining undue power.

Madison's View on Power Accumulation

Madison warned against consolidating powers within one entity, labeling it as tyranny.
Advocated for distinct separation of powers to safeguard liberty and prevent autocratic rule.

Checks and Balances

Each government branch can limit the powers of others to prevent abuse.
The legislative can override presidential vetoes, approve nominations, and impeach.

Role of the President

The president influences the Supreme Court by appointing judges, impacting the judiciary's power.

Judicial Oversight

The Supreme Court checks the Senate by declaring laws unconstitutional, maintaining judicial authority.

Safeguards Against Tyranny

Framers designed a system where branches have enough power to limit one another, creating a balanced government.

Representation in Congress

Bigger states favored the Virginia Plan for increased power based on population.
Smaller states preferred the New Jersey Plan to ensure equal representation.

Representation Details

Rhode Island and Delaware are the least represented, each with one House member.
Virginia has the highest representation in the House at ten members, reflecting its larger population.

Determining Representation

The number of representatives per state is based on population size, affecting legislative power dynamics.

Balancing Interests

The conflict between big and small states reinforces checks against tyranny, ensuring all states have representation, thus promoting equitable governance.

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Description

This flashcard quiz explores how the U.S. Constitution guards against tyranny, focusing on concepts like federalism. Learn how the division of power between national and state governments helps maintain balance and protect citizen rights. Discover key terms and definitions that will deepen your understanding of constitutional principles.