Sebastian Nguyen GOV Study Guide - PDF

Unit 1 Review: Intro into American Government Be able to define and thoroughly explain the following terms: Definition of government The governing body of a nation, state, or community. Limited Government Limited government is a political system where the powers of the gover...

Unit 1 Review: Intro into American Government Be able to define and thoroughly explain the following terms: Definition of government The governing body of a nation, state, or community. Limited Government Limited government is a political system where the powers of the government are restricted by laws or a constitution to protect individual freedoms. This ensures that no branch or authority becomes too powerful, promoting checks and balances. Popular sovereignty Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who hold the ultimate power. It emphasizes that political power rests with the citizens, typically expressed through voting and participation in democratic processes. Checks and Balances Checks and balances is a system in which the powers of government are divided among separate branches—typically the executive, legislative, and judicial—to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Each branch has the authority to limit or check the actions of the others, ensuring a balance of power and protecting democratic governance. Federalism Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) authority and smaller political units, such as states or provinces. This arrangement allows each level of government to have its own responsibilities and powers, while sharing some authority in areas like taxation and law enforcement. Judicial Review Judicial review is the power of courts, particularly the Supreme Court, to examine and determine the constitutionality of laws or government actions. It allows the judiciary to invalidate laws or decisions that violate the constitution, serving as a check on the legislative and executive branches. Separation of Powers Separation of powers is a principle that divides the functions and responsibilities of government into three distinct branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This ensures that no single branch holds too much power, with each branch having its own roles and the ability to check the others, promoting a balance of authority in governance. Republic A republic is a form of government in which power is held by elected representatives and leaders, rather than a monarch, and where the people have the authority to elect their officials. In a republic, the government is based on the rule of law, with officials serving the interests of the citizens who elected them. John Locke John Locke was an influential 17th-century English philosopher known for his contributions to political theory and the Enlightenment. He advocated for natural rights, including life, liberty, and property, and argued that governments should protect these rights. Locke’s ideas on the social contract, where governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, significantly influenced modern democratic thought and the development of the U.S. Constitution. Amendment *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.  An amendment is a formal change or addition made to a legal document, typically a constitution or law. In the context of the U.S. Constitution, amendments are used to adjust or update its provisions, often to expand rights or clarify legal principles, such as the Bill of Rights. Confederacy A confederacy is a union of independent states or entities that come together for specific purposes, often to achieve mutual goals such as defense or trade, while maintaining their sovereignty. In a confederacy, the central authority is usually weaker than in a federal system, with most powers retained by the individual states. Bicameral Bicameral refers to a legislative body that has two separate chambers or houses. This structure is often used to balance power and represent different interests within the government. For example, the U.S. Congress is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with distinct roles and responsibilities in the lawmaking process. Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781. It established a confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government, giving most powers to the individual states. The Articles created significant challenges, such as difficulties in raising revenue and regulating commerce, leading to their eventual replacement by the U.S. Constitution in 1789. Why Great Britain founded the colonies Economic Gain: The colonies were seen as a source of raw materials and a market for British goods, supporting mercantilist policies that aimed to increase national wealth. Expansion of Territory: Establishing colonies allowed Britain to expand its territory and influence, competing with other European powers for land and resources. Religious Freedom: Some colonies, like Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, were founded by groups seeking religious freedom from persecution in England. Strategic Interests: Colonies provided strategic military outposts and trading hubs, which were important for maintaining naval power and trade routes. Social Experimentation: Colonization offered opportunities for social and political experimentation, including the establishment of various forms of governance and societal organization. The Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, is a document in which the thirteen American colonies declared their independence from British rule, asserting that all men are created equal and possess unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It outlines grievances against King George III, justifying the colonies' break from British authority and establishing a foundation for American democracy. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation (name 2) Lack of Central Authority: The federal government had no power to enforce laws or collect taxes, leading to financial instability and difficulty in funding government operations. Inability to Regulate Commerce: The Articles did not grant the central government the power to regulate interstate or international trade, resulting in economic disarray and conflicts between states over trade policies. Successes of the Articles of Confederation (name 2) *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.  Northwest Ordinance: The Articles facilitated the passage of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established a method for admitting new states to the Union and set a precedent for the expansion of the United States. Successful Diplomatic Relations: The Articles allowed the United States to conduct diplomacy and negotiate the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence. Connecticut Compromise The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and established a bicameral legislature in the United States. It combined proportional representation in the House of Representatives with equal representation in the Senate, balancing the interests of both large and small states. Most important (largest) compromise at the Constitutional Convention The most important compromise at the Constitutional Convention was the Connecticut Compromise, or Great Compromise. It established a bicameral legislature, balancing representation by population in the House of Representatives with equal representation for each state in the Senate, which was crucial for securing agreement between large and small states. Federalists Federalists were proponents of the U.S. Constitution during the ratification debates, advocating for a strong central government to ensure order and address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Key figures like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay defended their position through the Federalist Papers, emphasizing the need for a more effective federal system. Anti-Federalists Anti-Federalists were opponents of the U.S. Constitution during the ratification debates, fearing that a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty. They argued for a more decentralized system and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to protect citizens' freedoms, leading to significant debates about the structure of government in the early United States. James Madison James Madison was a key Founding Father and the fourth President of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817. He is best known for his role in drafting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as well as his contributions to the Federalist Papers, which advocated for the ratification of the Constitution. Madison is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in shaping the nation's founding document and his efforts to establish a strong federal government. George Washington George Washington was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797, and is often referred to as the "Father of His Country." He played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War as the commander of the Continental Army and was a leading figure at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where he advocated for a strong federal government. Washington's leadership and commitment to democratic principles helped establish key precedents for the presidency and the functioning of the new nation. Expressed Powers Expressed powers are those specifically granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution. These powers are clearly outlined in the document, particularly in Article I, Section 8, and include abilities such as regulating interstate commerce, coining money, declaring war, and conducting foreign affairs. Expressed powers provide a clear framework for the authority and responsibilities of the federal government. *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.  Delegated Powers Delegated powers are those specifically assigned to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, encompassing both expressed powers and implied powers necessary to execute those expressed powers. These powers ensure that key responsibilities, such as regulating commerce and conducting foreign relations, are managed at the federal level rather than by individual states. Implied Powers of the National government Implied powers are those not explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution but are necessary for the federal government to carry out its expressed powers. Derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause (also known as the Elastic Clause), implied powers allow the government to take actions that are deemed essential to executing its constitutional responsibilities, such as establishing a national bank to manage currency and federal finances. Inherent Powers of the National Government Inherent powers are those powers that the national government possesses simply because it is a sovereign state. These powers are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution but are essential for the government to function effectively, such as the ability to control immigration, acquire territory, and conduct foreign relations. Inherent powers are derived from the nature of national sovereignty and the responsibilities of the government to protect and serve its citizens. Powers denied to the National Government Powers denied to the national government are those explicitly prohibited by the U.S. Constitution to protect individual rights and maintain the balance of power between state and federal authorities. Examples include the prohibition on passing ex post facto laws and bills of attainder, as well as the restriction against denying citizens the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Reserved Powers Reserved powers are those powers that are not explicitly granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution and are instead retained by the states. According to the Tenth Amendment, these powers include responsibilities such as regulating education, conducting elections, and managing local governments, allowing states to address issues specific to their needs and populations. Federalist Papers The Federalist Papers are a collection of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay between 1787 and 1788 to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. These essays explain the principles of the Constitution, advocate for a strong federal government, and address concerns raised by Anti-Federalists, making a compelling case for the new framework of government. The Federalist Papers remain an important source for understanding the intentions of the Founding Fathers and the foundational principles of American government. Necessary and Proper Clause The Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, is found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. It grants Congress the authority to make all laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, allowing for flexibility in governance and enabling the federal government to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. This clause has been the basis for expanding federal power through implied powers. Ratification Ratification is the formal approval process by which a proposed law, amendment, or treaty is officially accepted and enacted. In the context of the U.S. Constitution, ratification required the approval of nine out of thirteen states to become effective, leading to significant debates between Federalists, who supported the Constitution, and Anti-Federalists, who opposed it. *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.  Rights Rights are entitlements or permissions granted to individuals, often established by law, moral principles, or social norms. In the context of the U.S., rights include civil liberties, such as freedom of speech and religion, as well as political rights, like the right to vote, which are protected by the Constitution and its amendments. State Sovereignty State sovereignty refers to the authority of individual states to govern themselves independently, free from external interference. In the context of the United States, it emphasizes the power of states to make and enforce their own laws, manage local affairs, and uphold the rights of their citizens, while still being part of the larger federal system. Concurrent powers Concurrent powers are those powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments. These powers include the ability to tax, borrow money, establish courts, and regulate commerce, allowing both levels of government to operate in areas that affect the public. Concurrent powers ensure a cooperative relationship between federal and state authorities in managing various aspects of governance. The Supremacy Clause and how it relates to the hierarchy of laws The Supremacy Clause is found in Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution and establishes that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties made under its authority are the supreme law of the land. This means that in cases of conflict between federal and state laws, federal law takes precedence, creating a hierarchy where federal law overrides state law. The Supremacy Clause ensures a uniform legal framework across the nation while maintaining the authority of state governments to legislate in areas not reserved for the federal government. Preamble The Preamble is the introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution that outlines its fundamental purposes and guiding principles. It begins with the phrase "We the People" and emphasizes the goals of establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty to both current and future generations. The Preamble sets the tone for the Constitution and reflects the intentions of the Founding Fathers in creating a more perfect union. Unalienable Rights Unalienable rights are fundamental rights that are considered inherent and cannot be taken away or denied. In the context of the Declaration of Independence, these rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, emphasizing that they are granted by nature or a creator and are essential to human dignity and freedom. Social Contract The social contract is a philosophical concept that describes an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and establish a government in exchange for protection and the preservation of their rights. It suggests that individuals consent to give up some personal freedoms in exchange for the benefits of collective governance, thereby legitimizing the authority of the government. Prominent thinkers like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau have contributed to this idea, influencing modern political thought about the relationship between citizens and the state. *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review. Use the Essential Understanding & Vocabulary to help you study as well. Answer the following questions using your notes and worksheets from class. This is not 100% inclusive of everything you need to know, but it will help guide you in test preparation. Essential Understanding Know the order of the major documents/events in US History. Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution of United States, Bill of Rights, Marbury v. Madison, Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850. What are the 4 purposes of government? Be able to give examples Maintaining Order: Governments establish laws and regulations to prevent chaos and ensure public safety. For example, law enforcement agencies enforce laws against theft, violence, and disorderly conduct. Providing Security: Governments protect citizens from external threats and aggression. For example, the military defends the nation against foreign invasions and terrorist attacks. Providing Public Services: Governments provide essential services that benefit the public and contribute to the common good. Examples include public education, infrastructure (like roads and bridges), and healthcare services. Promoting the General Welfare: Governments create policies aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. This can include social programs, economic regulations, and environmental protections, such as Social Security, minimum wage laws, and clean air regulations. What is the difference between a Representative Democracy and a Direct Democracy? Representative Democracy: In this system, citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. These representatives are accountable to the electorate and are expected to reflect the views and interests of their constituents. Examples include the United States and most modern democracies. Direct Democracy: In a direct democracy, citizens participate directly in decision-making and legislation, rather than through elected representatives. This can occur through mechanisms like referendums or initiatives, where voters directly vote on specific issues or policies. An example of direct democracy can be seen in some Swiss cantons or in local town meetings in certain areas. What are the three systems of government that the US has experienced? Explain each one. Confederal System: Under the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789), the U.S. operated as a confederation where individual states held most of the power, and the central government was weak. The federal government had limited authority, primarily to conduct foreign affairs and manage war efforts, but it lacked the power to tax or regulate commerce effectively. This system led to challenges in governance and coordination among the states. Federal System: With the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789, the country adopted a federal system, which divides power between the national and state governments. In this system, both levels of government have their own responsibilities and can enact laws within their respective domains. The Constitution establishes the framework for this relationship, allowing for a balance of power and ensuring that certain powers are reserved for states while others are delegated to the federal government. Unitary System: While not officially adopted, elements of a unitary system can be seen in some aspects of U.S. governance, particularly in federal oversight and regulations that influence state policies. In a unitary system, power is concentrated in a central authority, with regional or local governments acting primarily as extensions of the central government. This is in contrast to the federal system, where states have significant autonomy. When did the US experience each of the ones above? Confederal System: The U.S. operated under a confederal system from 1781, when the Articles of Confederation were ratified, until 1789, when the Constitution was adopted. During this period, the states retained most of the power, and the central government had limited authority. Federal System: The federal system began with the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789, establishing a stronger national government with shared powers between federal and state authorities. This system has been in place since then, although it has evolved over time through amendments and judicial interpretations. *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.  Unitary System: While the U.S. has not formally adopted a unitary system, elements of it can be observed in certain policies and practices at various points in history, particularly during periods of increased federal authority, such as during the New Deal in the 1930s and the civil rights movement in the 1960s. These examples illustrate how the federal government has exerted influence over state policies. Accurately explain the US political history in the four stages. Colonial Period and Independence (1607-1783): Colonists settled in America for opportunity and freedom but grew frustrated with British rule. This tension led to the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Articles of Confederation and Constitution (1781-1789): After independence, the Articles of Confederation created a weak government. Recognizing its flaws, leaders drafted the U.S. Constitution in 1787, establishing a stronger federal government, which was ratified in 1788. Expansion and Division (1789-1865): The U.S. expanded westward, but conflicts over slavery increased tensions. Efforts to balance free and slave states failed, leading to the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Reconstruction and Modern Developments (1865-present): After the Civil War, the Reconstruction era aimed to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people. Since then, the U.S. has faced changes like industrialization, civil rights movements, and global influences, shaping its political landscape. Know the compromises of the US Constitution. 3/5ths, Connecticut, Slavery Debate, Bill of Rights Three-Fifths Compromise: This compromise was reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, determining how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation purposes. It established that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted when apportioning representatives in Congress, balancing the interests of slaveholding states and those opposed to slavery. Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise): This compromise combined elements of the Virginia Plan (which favored larger states) and the New Jersey Plan (which favored smaller states). It created a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate granting equal representation to each state, ensuring a balance of power. Slavery Debate: The debate over slavery during the Constitutional Convention included various compromises, such as the decision to allow the importation of slaves for another 20 years and the aforementioned Three-Fifths Compromise. The issue of slavery created significant divisions that would later contribute to the Civil War. Bill of Rights: Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights is a series of ten amendments added to the Constitution to protect individual liberties. This compromise addressed concerns from Anti-Federalists who feared a strong federal government might infringe on personal freedoms, ensuring protections like freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms. Explain the federal system of the United States. The federal system of the United States divides power between the national and state governments, allowing both levels to govern concurrently in their respective areas. The Constitution outlines specific powers for the federal government while reserving others for the states, creating a balance that helps maintain local autonomy. This system enables the federal government to address national issues, such as defense and immigration, while states manage local matters like education and transportation. Briefly explain the different forms of government Democracy: Power is held by the people, who elect representatives or make decisions through direct voting. Two types are: Direct democracy: Citizens vote directly on laws and policies. Representative democracy: Citizens elect officials to represent them in decision-making (example., the U.S.). Republic: Similar to a representative democracy, but with a strong emphasis on rule of law and often a constitution limiting government power (example., the U.S., India). Monarchy: Power is inherited and held by a king or queen. There are two types: Absolute monarchy: The monarch has almost complete control (example., Saudi Arabia). *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.  Constitutional monarchy: The monarch's powers are limited by a constitution or laws, with elected officials running the government (example., the U.K.). Authoritarianism: Power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small group, with little to no input from the people (example., North Korea). Totalitarianism: A more extreme form of authoritarianism where the government controls almost every aspect of public and private life (example., Stalinist Soviet Union). Theocracy: A government based on religious principles, where religious leaders control political decisions (example., Iran). Oligarchy: A small group of people, often from the military, wealthy elites, or powerful families, control the government (example., ancient Sparta). Communism: In theory, a classless society where all property is owned communally, but in practice, it often leads to a single-party authoritarian state (example., China, Cuba). List problems with the Articles of Confederation. How did the Constitution fix the above problems? Weak Central Government Problem: The national government under the Articles had very limited power. It could not enforce laws or decisions, making it ineffective in governing the states. Constitution's Fix: The Constitution created a stronger federal government with separate branches (executive, legislative, judicial) and the power to enforce laws. 2. No Executive Branch Problem: There was no president or executive branch to enforce laws or oversee the government’s operations. Constitution's Fix: The Constitution established the office of the President, creating an executive branch to enforce laws and manage government affairs. 3. No Power to Tax Problem: The national government could not levy taxes and had to rely on voluntary contributions from the states, leading to severe financial problems. Constitution's Fix: The Constitution gave Congress the power to levy taxes, ensuring the federal government had the funds needed to operate. 4. No Regulation of Interstate Commerce Problem: The Articles allowed each state to control its own trade policies, leading to conflicts and inefficiencies between states. Constitution's Fix: The Constitution gave Congress the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, creating a unified trade policy. 5. Unanimous Consent Required for Amendments Problem: Amendments to the Articles required unanimous consent from all 13 states, making it nearly impossible to adapt or change laws. Constitution's Fix: The Constitution made it easier to amend, requiring a two-thirds majority in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states. 6. No National Court System Problem: There was no federal judiciary to resolve disputes between states or interpret laws. *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.  Constitution's Fix: The Constitution established a national court system, including the Supreme Court, to interpret laws and resolve disputes. 7. Lack of Military Power Problem: The national government had no authority to raise a standing army, leaving the country vulnerable to external threats and internal rebellions (e.g., Shays' Rebellion). Constitution's Fix: The Constitution granted Congress the power to raise and maintain a military to defend the country. 8. Inconsistent Currency Problem: Each state could issue its own currency, leading to confusion and economic instability. Constitution's Fix: The Constitution gave the federal government the sole power to coin money, creating a uniform national currency. 9. Weak Legislative Structure Problem: The Articles had a unicameral (one-house) legislature with each state having one vote, regardless of size or population. Constitution's Fix: The Constitution created a bicameral (two-house) legislature, with representation in the House based on population and equal representation in the Senate. What led to the development of the Federalists and Antifederalists? The development of the Federalists and Antifederalists arose during the debate over ratifying the U.S. Constitution. Federalists supported a strong central government, while Antifederalists feared it would lead to tyranny, preferring stronger state powers and demanding a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms. What was the purpose of the Federalist and Antifederalist Papers? The Federalist Papers aimed to persuade citizens and states to support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by explaining and defending the need for a stronger central government. In contrast, the Antifederalist Papers sought to warn against potential dangers of the proposed Constitution, advocating for stronger state rights and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to safeguard individual liberties. Explain how each group (Feds/Anti Feds) felt about the extent of the power of the national government. Federalists believed in a strong national government with the authority to effectively manage the country's affairs, including regulating commerce, raising taxes, and maintaining a military. Antifederalists, on the other hand, feared that too much centralized power would threaten individual freedoms and state sovereignty, advocating for more power to remain with the states. Explain why the Federalists can be said to have won the overall debate about the Constitution. In other words, what did the Federalists win? The Federalists won the overall debate by securing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, establishing a strong national government with the powers they advocated for, such as taxation, regulation of commerce, and a federal judiciary. Although they compromised by agreeing to add the Bill of Rights—a key demand of the Antifederalists—the core framework of the government remained aligned with Federalist principles, ensuring a powerful federal structure. During the debate for the Constitution, what did the Antifederalists demand? Why did they demand this? During the debate over the Constitution, the Antifederalists demanded the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties and prevent potential government overreach. They feared that without explicit protections, *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.  the strong national government created by the Constitution could become tyrannical and infringe on the rights of citizens and states. What was the ultimate compromise between the Federalists and Antifederalists? (List both sides) The ultimate compromise between the Federalists and Antifederalists was the agreement to add the Bill of Rights to the Constitution after its ratification. Federalists: Agreed to add the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties, while still securing a strong central government through the ratification of the Constitution. Antifederalists: Accepted the Constitution's ratification in exchange for the promise that the first Congress would introduce amendments (the Bill of Rights) to protect individual freedoms and limit government power. *The test may include other information from discussion in class. Check notes, assignments, and activities for full review.