Questions and Answers
What concept refers to the popular acceptance of a government's authority to enforce its decisions?
Which term describes the practice of transferring powers from a central government to local governments?
Which ruling Chief Justice is noted for hearing a case despite a conflict of interest?
What term is used to refer to shared powers held by both national and state governments in the United States?
Signup and view all the answers
What was a key distinguishing factor of the American Revolution compared to earlier political conflicts?
Signup and view all the answers
Which concept defines that the ultimate power in the government lies with the people?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the primary concern of John Locke regarding government?
Signup and view all the answers
The Gibbons v. Ogden ruling highlighted the government’s authority in which area?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following states the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main idea behind Baron de Montesquieu’s concept of separation of powers?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Thomas Hobbes' view of life before the establishment of government?
Signup and view all the answers
What does popular sovereignty mean?
Signup and view all the answers
Who authored the majority of the Federalist Papers?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT typically included in government-provided infrastructure?
Signup and view all the answers
According to the Constitution, what structure is the US government based on?
Signup and view all the answers
What was the outcome of the Marbury vs. Madison (1803) case?
Signup and view all the answers
How are slaves counted for determining population in the House of Representatives?
Signup and view all the answers
Which term describes the authority of the government to legislate for the protection of public health and welfare?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term elite theory suggest about societal power dynamics?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes the type of democracy that requires high levels of participation from voters?
Signup and view all the answers
What contradiction arose during the development of the US Constitution?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
U.S. Government Structure and Powers
- Most police powers are reserved for states, executed by local officers.
- Sovereignty in the U.S. is guaranteed to the people.
- The U.S. governmental structure consists of legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Judicial powers are enumerated in Article III of the Constitution.
- Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) affirmed that only the government can regulate interstate commerce.
- McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) ruled that states cannot tax federal agencies, preserving federal supremacy.
Political Theories and History
- John Locke and Thomas Jefferson emphasized the government's role in protecting natural rights: liberty, life, and property.
- A social contract is an agreement between the citizens and their government concerning governance and rights.
- The Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, asserted the colonies' separation from British rule.
- Robert Dahl posited that politics is about influencing the actions of others and understanding who governs.
Constitutional Elements and Federalism
- James Madison is recognized as the primary author of the U.S. Constitution.
- Thomas Hobbes described a pre-government society as a war-like state, necessitating government for order.
- Judicial review is an established practice that allows courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative actions.
- The Federalist Papers, written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay, supported the ratification of the Constitution.
Demographic and Political Rights
- Slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person for population determinations.
- The Articles of Confederation were replaced due to inefficiencies in establishing a common market in North America.
- After ratification of the Constitution, voting rights were primarily extended to white men.
- Politically, equality versus slavery was a significant contradiction during the Constitution's development.
Ideologies and Governance
- A political ideology entails a coherent set of beliefs about governance.
- Direct democracy mandates active participation from all citizens in decision-making.
- The Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1830) recognized Indian tribes as "domestic dependent nations" but could not prevent forced removals like the Trail of Tears.
- Popular sovereignty asserts that government power derives from the consent of the governed.
Government Functions and Society
- Government infrastructure typically includes essential services such as roads, schools, and hospitals.
- An institution is a permanent organization performing essential societal functions.
- The principle of legitimacy denotes public acceptance of governmental authority.
Judicial Outcomes and Individual Rights
- Marbury v. Madison (1803) established the pivotal principle of judicial review.
- Libertarianism reflects a political ideology advocating limited government intervention.
- Concurrent powers are shared by national and state governments and are often implied rather than explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Political Dynamics and Theory
- Elite theory suggests a small group rules society to serve its interests.
- Police power refers to the authority to legislate for public health, morals, and welfare.
- David Easton's "black box" model depicted government as responding automatically to citizen demands.
- The most common form of governance historically has been some variant of monarchy or tyranny.
Federal and State Relationships
- Federal mandates require state compliance with specific federal regulations.
- Federalism involves power division between federal and state governments.
- Devolution entails transferring powers from central government to lower levels, such as states or local governments.
- Supreme Court decisions have recently fluctuated between supporting state rights and federal authority.
Economic Considerations
- Transaction costs relate to the expenses involved in conducting business within an industry.
- The American Revolution was distinct from previous conflicts due to its emphasis on private property rights.
Miscellaneous Insights
- An idiot, in ancient Greek context, referred to a citizen who showed no interest in civic affairs, countering the notion of apathy as commonly understood today.
- The U.S. government's Indian removal policy exemplifies the potential for power abuse, highlighting the risks of dividing government authority.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the foundational concepts of the US governmental structure, including federalism, sovereignty, and judicial powers. This quiz covers key historical events and constitutional articles relevant to governance in the US.
