Exam Study Quiz Questions PDF

Exam Study Quiz Questions Quiz 1 > List and briefly explain two reasons the government under the Articles of Confederation was considered deficient, thus prompting the states to write the Constitution. 1. Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the Un...

Exam Study Quiz Questions Quiz 1 > List and briefly explain two reasons the government under the Articles of Confederation was considered deficient, thus prompting the states to write the Constitution. 1. Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States. They were eventually replaced because they were too weak and didn't give the federal government enough power. Key problems with the Articles include: 1-Lack of central authority: There was no president or executive branch to enforce laws. 2-No Power to Tax Under the Articles, the central government did not have the power to tax. This meant that it had to ask states for money, but states often refused or didn't contribute enough. Problem: The federal government couldn't raise funds for national defense, infrastructure, or other essential services. It had to rely on voluntary contributions from states, which made it difficult to finance anything important. 3-No Power to Regulate Foreign Trade The Articles did not grant the federal government the authority to regulate trade between states or with foreign countries. States could make their own trade agreements, which led to conflicts and inconsistent policies. Problem: States often imposed tariffs on each other and made conflicting trade deals with foreign nations. This created economic instability and hindered the growth of the national economy. > Identify 2 Social Contract theorists from the following names and briefly explain their ideas on the social contract: Ida Nothis/Thomas Hobbes/John Locke/Jean Jacques Rousseau/John Snow 5. Social Contract Theorists Thomas Hobbes Key Idea: Hobbes believed in the necessity for a strong, central authority. He thought that without a powerful ruler, humans would live in a constant state of conflict, which he  called the "state of nature." In this state, he believed people were driven by selfish instincts and violence, leading to what he called a "war of all against all." Solution: Hobbes argued that people should give up some of their personal freedoms in exchange for protection and security provided by a strong government. This government, which he called the Leviathan, would have absolute power to maintain peace and prevent disorder. John Locke Key Idea: Believed in natural rights (life, liberty, property). He believed these rights were inherent and should be protected by government. Solution: that people should consent to be governed in exchange for protection of these rights. He argued that if a government violates their natural rights, the people have the right to overthrow it. > Who rules in a direct (pure) democracy? In a direct democracy, all eligible citizens participate directly in decision-making and vote on laws and policies themselves. There is no representative body; the people rule directly. > What is the elastic clause (known as the necessary and proper clause) and what is its importance? The elastic clause, also called the necessary and proper clause, is a part of the U.S. Constitution that gives Congress the power to make laws that are not directly written in the Constitution but are needed to help carry out the powers that Congress is given. Here’s an easier way to think about it: What does the Elastic Clause do? The elastic clause gives Congress the ability to do whatever is "necessary and proper" to carry out its duties. This means that even if the Constitution doesn’t say exactly how to handle something, Congress can create laws to make sure it can still do its job. This makes the Constitution flexible and able to adapt to new situations. Why is it called the "Elastic" Clause? It’s called "elastic" because it stretches to cover things that weren’t specifically mentioned in the Constitution. Why is the elastic clause important? The elastic clause is important because it makes the U.S. Constitution flexible, allowing the government to respond to new challenges and changes that weren’t foreseen by the framers(founding leaders). > What is Federalism? 1. Federalism Definition: Federalism is the system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) government and smaller political units, like states or provinces. Federalism allows for local control of certain issues (like education) while maintaining national unity for issues that affect the entire country (like defense). Forms of Government Direct Democracy: ○ Citizens vote directly on laws and decisions, with no representatives involved. ○ Example: Ancient Athens practiced this system, where every eligible citizen could vote on issues. Representative Democracy (Republic): ○ Citizens elect representatives to make laws and decisions on their behalf. ○ Example: The United States, where people vote for officials like members of Congress and the president to represent their interests. Monarchy (King): ○ A form of government ruled by a king or queen, often with absolute power. ○ Example: Britain under King George III, from which the U.S. declared independence. The Articles of the Constitution Article I: The Legislative Branch What it does: Creates Congress, which is divided into two parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Key powers: ○ Make laws. ○ Regulate commerce (trade) between states and with foreign nations. ○ Declare war. ○ Collect taxes. Why it matters: It gives Congress the power to create laws and manage key functions, addressing the lack of federal authority under the Articles of Confederation. Article II: The Executive Branch What it does: Establishes the presidency and outlines the president's powers and responsibilities. Key powers: ○ Enforce laws passed by Congress. ○ Serve as Commander-in-Chief of the military. ○ Make treaties (with Senate approval). ○ Appoint federal officials, including judges and ambassadors. Why it matters: It creates a central figure (the president) responsible for carrying out  laws, ensuring the government can act decisively. Article III: The Judicial Branch What it does: Establishes the Supreme Court and other federal courts. Key powers: ○ Interpret laws and decide if they are constitutional. ○ Resolve disputes between states and the federal government. ○ Ensure justice under federal law. Why it matters: Provides a system of checks and balances by interpreting laws and protecting citizens' rights. Article IV: State Relationships What it does: Describes how states should interact with each other and the federal government. Key points: ○ States must respect each other’s laws and decisions (e.g., recognizing marriages and court rulings). ○ The federal government guarantees protection for states (e.g., against invasion). Why it matters: Promotes unity among states and clarifies their relationship with the national government. Article V: Amendments What it does: Outlines the process for changing (amending) the Constitution. Key points: ○ Amendments can be proposed by Congress (with a two-thirds vote) or by a constitutional convention. ○ To be ratified, amendments need approval from three-fourths of the states. Why it matters: Ensures the Constitution can adapt to changes over time while maintaining a high standard for modifications. Article VI: Supremacy Clause What it does: Establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. Key points: ○ Federal law takes precedence over state laws when they conflict. ○ All government officials must swear an oath to support the Constitution. Why it matters: Ensures a unified legal framework for the entire country, avoiding conflicting state and federal laws. Article VII: Ratification What it does: Explains how the Constitution was to be approved (ratified). Key points:  ○ Required nine out of thirteen states to agree to adopt the Constitution. Why it matters: Allowed the Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation and establish a stronger federal government. Why the Constitution Was Important Under the Articles of Confederation: The federal government couldn’t enforce laws, collect taxes, or maintain a strong military. States acted independently, which caused conflicts and inefficiencies. The Constitution fixed these issues by:. Creating three branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) with distinct powers.. Balancing power between states and the federal government.. Allowing flexibility through amendments to adapt to future challenges. This structure provided a stronger, more effective framework for governing the United States.