Foundations (American Civics)

Define popular sovereignty.

the idea that the authority of government comes from the people

Define amendment.Give an example.

. An amendment is a formal or official change made to a law, contract, constitution or other legal document. An example is the 13th amendment that abolished slavery.

Define checks and balances.Give an example of a check and balance from each branch.

Checks and Balances are certain branches of government empowered to prevent actions by other branches and induced to share power. It helps to prevent any branch from being too powerful. The Legislative Branch for example makes the laws, the Judicial Branch interprets laws and the Executive Branch can veto a law.

Define denied powers, reserved powers, concurrent powers, enumerated powers.

Enumerated powers are also known as "expressed powers". Delegated by the National government and the powers are spelled out or expressed in the constitution. Denied powers are powers denied to the nation and state government branches to maintain balance and fairness. Reserved powers are powers which are neither prohibited or explicitly given by law to any organ of government. Concurrent powers are powers shared by both the state and federal governments.

What did the Articles of Confederation establish? How was it weak in nature?

Established a more permanent government structure for the United States after declaring independence. The Articles of Confederation was a unicameral government. They didn't create an Executive and Judicial branch. Didn't have the power to tax and had to rely on the states to borrow funds. Didn't have the power to regulate trade between the states. Couldn't not make the states obey the Articles of Confederation.

Define Federalism.

Federalism is a system of government in which a written constitution divides the powers of the government on a territorial basis between a national, or central government and several regional governments, typically referred to as states.

What are characteristics of a confederate government/ confederation?

In a confederate government the central government only handles matters assigned that the independent states. It is for national defense and trade.

What is the difference between a parliamentary and presidential style government?

In a parliamentary government the executive and legislative are one, and the executive branch is chosen by the legislative which is known as the prime minister. In a presidential government the executive and legislative powers are separate and independent from one another but co-equal. The president is elected by the people.

Define the Supremacy Clause.

It establishes that the Federal constitution, federal law generally, takes over state laws and even state constitutions.

How did the Social Contract theory influence the formation of the government of the United States.

It's important ideas of popular sovereignty, limited government, and individual rights strongly shaped the thinking of those who established American governmental system.

Define judicial review.

Judicial review is a process under which executive or legislative actions are subject to review by the judiciary.

What is the Declaration of Independence? What did it establish?

The Declaration of Independence was a statement by a nation's people asserting their right to choose their own government. It was established on July 4, 1776.

Explain the Great Compromise.

The Great Compromise was also known as the Connecticut compromise, it was a debate over representation in congress. Larger states wanted representation based on population, while smaller states wanted equal representation regardless of population.

The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights both reinforced what concept?

The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights both reinforced the concept of limited Monarchy.

What is the difference between Separation of Powers and Division of Powers?

The Separation of Powers is a concept in which each of the three branches of government have separate powers and responsibilities. The Division of Powers are assigned to the National government and other powers are assigned to the states.

What is the Social Contract Theory?

The Social Contract Theory is when the government fails to secure their "natural rights" to satisfy the best interests of society citizens can with-draw their obligations to obey, or change leadership through elections.

Explain the Three Fifths Compromise.

The Three Fifths compromise resulted from a debate over representation. Southern states wanted slaves to be counted in the population, so they could have more representation in congress. Northern states didn't want slaves to be counted.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The United States Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.

What are the philosopher's main purposes for government? With the emphasis on John Locke?

The philosopher's main purpose for government is to maintain law and order. John Locke agreed that natural rights, such as life, liberty and property existed in a state of nature.

Where does this quote come from (the first words of what document) ...? "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal.

This quote comes from the first words of the Declaration of Independence.

What is the difference between the Federalist viewpoint and the Anti-Federalist viewpoint?

Those who supported the constitution and a stronger national republic were known as federalists. Those who opposed the ratification of the constitution in favor of a small localized government were known as Anti-Federalist.

Understand the power structure concentrated in different styles of governments.

Unitary government, Federal government and Confederation.