US Government Course: Module 1

US Government Course: Module 1

• The course covers the US Constitution.
• Key figures like John Adams and Theodore Roosevelt are mentioned as sources on constitutionalism.
• Vocabulary:
  • Constitution: The legal structure of a political system, defining governmental bodies, their powers, member selection, and decision-making rules.
  • Constitutionalism: The belief in limiting governmental power through a written charter.
• Political Context of the US Constitution:
  • Relationship with Great Britain and King George: Explored along with the Declaration of Independence (1776).
  • Declaration of Independence: Discussion of the 4 major themes.
  • Articles of Confederation (1777-1787): Identified as a system of governing followed before the Constitution, and the needs to revise it (5 main provisions discussed).
  • Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787): A significant event leading up to the Constitutional Convention.
• Constitutional Convention (1787):
  • Purpose: To revise the Articles of Confederation.
  • Delegates: 55 delegates from 12 states attended.
• Agreements:
  • Republic Formation: Delegates' aim to establish a republic.
  • National Government Supremacy: Establishing the national government as supreme over the states.
  • Three Branches: Establishment of three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) with shared power.
  • Separation of Powers: Borrowed concept from the Iroquois Confederacy, particularly in the context of New York.
• Map: A map of the 13 original colonies in 1774 is included as part of the background.
• Conflicts:
  • Big States vs. Small States: Debate over representation.
  • Slavery (North vs. South): Further debate over the inclusion and representation of slaves in government.
  • Great Compromise: Resolving the representation issue in Congress (House = proportional, Senate = equal)
  • 3/5 Compromise: Counting slaves as 3/5 of a person for representation in the House of Representatives, largely benefiting the Southern states.
• Fragmentation of Power:
  • Divide of Power: The national (federal) government's power is divided among three branches.
  • State vs. Federal: The balance of power between state and federal governments and the relationship between the two is described.
  • Checks and Balances: A system where each branch has the power to limit the actions of the other two.
• The Signing of the Constitution: Image included.
• Fight for Ratification: Explains the Federalists versus Anti-Federalists debate.
• Federalist Papers: Describes the historical context and importance of these papers from a perspective of promoting the Constitution.
• The Debate: Describes the Federalists' arguments in favor of a stronger central government, and the Anti-Federalists' opposition (fears about too much government power and the absence of a Bill of Rights).
• Federalist #51 (by Madison): Explains the importance of separating powers.
• Result of the Debate: The Anti-Federalists agreed to ratify the Constitution in 1789, after the Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights in 1791.
• Amendments: Focuses on the importance and the creation of the first ten amendments as being the Bill of Rights.
• Amendments: Explains the ways that the Constitution has been amended (substance and processes.)
• Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison 1802): The Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional established.
• Conclusion: A brief review including a concluding quote.

This quiz explores the key elements of the US Constitution and its political context. Topics include foundational figures, constitutionalism, the Declaration of Independence, and significant historical events like Shays' Rebellion. Test your knowledge on how these elements interact within the framework of American governance.