Gov Chapters 1-3

Powerful Results of Political Ideology

Muslim terrorists jihadists hijacked planes and attacked World Trade Centers 1995 bomb exploded in Oklahoma City, American antigovernment neo nazis,

Preamble

"We the people..." government power from people, outline goals constitution approved September 17, 1787 Montesquieu, French philosopher-- basis of separation of powers and checks and balances in each branch

Puritans

*Protestants* who wanted to reform Church of England

Committee of Correspondence

1772- Sam Adams, keep up resistance

Coercive Acts

1774- Intolerable Acts blockade of Boston Harbor reinforced Quartering Acts- sent additional soldiers

Electoral College

each state select electors equal to House and Senate, hands of electors instead of people, avoid chaos from executive being elected directly, able to remove executive: House responsibility to decide trial for impeachment, Senate responsibility to try them, 2/3 majority needed, chief justice preside in place of VP to avoid bias

Mass Meetings

in state legislatures, discuss pros and cons, debate and temper entire constitution published in newspapers, opinion pieces began

Providing for the Common Defense

protect against threats of foreign aggression, president commander in chief of military, Congress has authority to raise army, defense budget controversial early years of republic- believed governments major role was to protect against foreign threats like British invasion and impressment and pirates,

Shays's Rebellion

showed need for stronger central government 1780 Massachusetts constitution favored wealthy, property owning requirements to vote, banks foreclosed, veterans still awaiting bonuses Daniel Shays- former army captain, march to Springfield Congress no money or help from states to raise army, Mass no money to raise state militia, put down by privately funded militia

Pilgrims

(separatists)- Mayflower-- Plymouth, religious "city on a hill", authority and obedience, still individualism --Roger Williams- extreme separatist, separation of church/state, question authority of Puritans to punish people in their colony and to settle on Indian land-- RI --Anne Hutchinson- church lost touch with Holy Spirit, religious tolerance, women, questioned church-- RI later more religious tolerance- Maryland, Pennsylvania --Thomas Hooker- thought they were too narrow minded, all males should be able to vote, relocated to CT

Power of People

*popular consent*- government gets power from consent of people, willingness to vote represents consent to be governed, central to Declaration of Independence, low voter turnout threatens a truly democratic system *majority rule*- officials elected and laws made only if majority agrees, for both voters and elected representatives, yet stress in minority rights at the same time *popular sovereignty*- authority in society rests with people, political authority is with people- create abolish, or alter gov *natural law*- society should be governed by natural ethical principles

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Social Contract- feeling, not reason, draws people to community, basic rights come from society, not nature, society based on social contract allows for equality

Ratification

after Constitution signed secretary of Constitutional Convention William Jackson delivered copy to Congress of the Confederation, also resolution of delegates urging states to vote, required states to hold special ratifying conventions, Congress accepted and forwarded to states to vote, debated- state politicians, farmers, working class scared of strong national government, debtors feared they would have to pay back or be in even more debt, people scared of taxes, didn't like change: wealthy merchants, lawyers, bankers favored constitution

Social Contract

agreement signifying consent to be governed --Mayflower Compact- role of government, expectation of people theory by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke- all individuals free/equal by natural right, all people must give their consent to be governed

Articles IV-VII

anticipate problems, full and faithful credit clause- states honor laws and judicial proceedings of other states, Article IV- process for admitting new states to union, Amendment V- how amendments are added, (Bill of Rights one of the first items of business when First Congress met), Article VI- supremacy clause- constitution, laws, and treaties, supreme law of the land, state officers and judges bound by law, take oaths to support national constitution above all, preemption=national power supersedes religious tests for offices, separation of church/state, Article VII- ratification for new constitution, 9/13 states

Federalism

believed a much stronger national government was necessary, avoid too powerful government, federal system-- divide power between national government and states

The Great Compromise

bicameral legislature, House of Representatives- elected directly by people with power to create bills for raising/spending money, Senate- each state equal vote, selected by state legislatures, national power supreme, small states- senate, large states-House, neither could overtake the other

Earliest Inhabitants of America

came over from Europe/Asia from Bering Strait affected future government- indigenous political systems varied as much as their culture (diseases and warfare removed them from land, also displaced/pushed West by Europeans)

Religious Faith and Freedom

came to New World for religious reasons- clashes in colonies, most not religiously tolerant, -- freedom of religion in Constitution and Framers agreed would be foundation of nation, more ideal than reality- ex. Islam viewed as violent, many Americans see religion as important in public policy

Moderates

centrist view, center better than extremes in wealth, poverty, role of government, groups cross over, some people against big government but support increased spending for elderly, education, and healthcare, socially liberal and fiscally conservative or other way simple left-right scale cannot cover complexity of citizen's political ideologies,

Federalism (ch 3)

challenge- balance independence/state rights with effective national government divide powers between local/state/national and three branches crises, evolution, public expectations, judicial interpretation change who makes decisions and how national: currency, minimum wage, state: age you marry, divorce laws, criminal justice, together: education

Amendments

change Constitution- ex. 26th Amendment voting age, young voter turnout on the rise amending process difficult, thousands debated- 27 amendments

National Powers Under Constitution

coin money, conduct foreign relations, provide for army/navy, declare war-- enumerated powers, "necessary and proper clause"-- enact any laws necessary to carry these out-- implied powers, right to collect duties/taxes/tariffs Article VI: national government supreme in state/nation conflict over law, Supremacy Clause: Constitution, US laws, and treaties are "supreme law of land"-- continuous judicial interpretation, ex. 1920- Missouri, tried to prevent US from enforcing Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 under 10th Amendment, but Court ruled it was treaty, therefore supreme law

Roots of America

colonists came for many reasons- religious, commercial, business King James I allowed some self rule because the colonies could not be ruled the same as those closet to home- Virginia House of Burgesses elected colonial assembly, elected General Court in Massachusetts, many liberties for colonies-- 1760s weakened, colonists had own constitutions- fundamental rules, (feudalism, monarchy, single church, etc, British practices not in America)

Declaration of Independence

committee of 5 selected to work on -Ben Franklin PA, John Adams MA, Robert Livingston NY, Roger Sherman CT -July 2 1776- 12/13 voted for independence, congress voted to adopt Declaration, July 9 last colony (NJ) approved, read in Philly -reasons for independence- drawn from John Locke/Treatise on Civil Government, social compact theory- consent of the governed protect rights/liberties, right to remove rulers who break this- life, liberty, pursuit of happiness wrongs of crown- denied liberties -signed and transmitted to king- more fighting (September 1776- peace conference, British General Howe demanded loyalty, Continental Army refused- war continued

American Dream

common goals, happy, successful life, wealth, house, good life for children

Direct vs Indirect Democracy

country too large for direct democracy to work, as more settlers came town meetings were replaced with indirect democracy, people vote for representatives who work on their behalf Greeks thought indirect democracy was not democracy Jean Jacques Rousseau- French political philosopher, true democracy not possible unless all citizens participate in decision making term democracy made people fear mob rule- used term *republic* instead, representatives educated/wealthy

Confederation

created by Articles of Confederation, national government derived all power from states *issues- federal system fixed*

First Continental Congress

delegates from all but Georgia, redress king Philadelphia September 5- October 26 1774 still loyal but wanted to fix differences opposed Coercive Acts, formal boycotting Declaration of Rights and Grievances- demanded rights (to petition, assemble, trial, form army, select representatives to levy taxes) agree to meet again May 1775

Unitary System

different, Great Britain's system, local governments derive all power from strong national government, framers feared central power

Racial/Ethnic

early America- English, Protestant, white male property owners voted-- grew West, immigrants, huge population growth- people feel removed from government/representatives as a result of the country being so big immigrants-- West Europe fleeing religious persecution 1600s, slaves from Africa 1700s, Chinese for railroads and Gold Rush 1800s, Irish escaping famine 1850s, New Immigrants late 1800s-1900s, South/Southeast Asians, Cubans, Mexicans, Hispanics- resist assimilation, language controversial, changed how governments do business- official documents printed in both English and Spanish- 40 million immigrants today and most Hispanic, controversy about whether we should make both English and Spanish national languages African Americans surpassed by Hispanics, Asian Americans currently fastest growing minority group, majority of babies born today are part of a minority group

Types of Government

early Greek theorists tried to categorize government by who participates, who governs, and how much authority they have monarchy-- rule of hereditary king or queen for best interest of all aristocracy-- rule by few for the interest of many totalitarianism-- rule country to benefit self, state has unlimited power, individuals have non and no rights, often based on religion or orthodoxy, ideology, or cult oligarchy-- few rule for own interest- participation based on wealth, social status, military position, achievement democracy-- ruled by many to benefit themselves, power to people direct or indirect "polity"-- rule of many to benefit all

English Settlers

enhance fortunes, find riches, settled for commercial reasons- Jamestown, New Netherlands (New York): trading posts on Hudson- culturally/ethnically diverse

Article III: judicial branch

establish Supreme Court and jurisdiction, in Philadelphia- smaller states didn't want strong unelected judiciary for fear of loss of liberties- compromise Congress permitted to establish lower national courts, exist side by side- federal: decide cases under federal law, Supreme: disputes between states, or between states and national government, interpret Constitution ultimately, judges appointed for life as long as "good behavior", salaries can't be lowered to avoid being punished for decisions

Individualism

everyone's rights protected but emphasis on individual, makes America different from other Democracies with group approach that make services/rights available on group basis (Canada), in US all citizens believed to be endowed with natural rights that go beyond government rule

Article II: executive branch

executing laws of nation under power of replacing president in case of death, disability, removal, section 3- powers and duties, role as commander in chief of, authority to make treaties, appoint officers, report to Congress in State of the Union Address, section 4- removal of president, VP, and other officers, also- limits president to natural born citizens

Denied Powers

explicitly under Article I- Congress cannot favor one state over another in regulating commerce, or lay duties on items exported from state, national government cannot grant titles of nobility, government employees cannot accept gifts from foreign heads of state, state/national government cannot take arbitrary actions affecting constitution, cannot pass bill of attainder (declares act illegal without trial), cannot pass ex post facto laws (make act punishment even if it was legal at the time committed)

Federalists

favored strong state government, didn't want to be labeled nationalists antifederalists: favored state governments, afraid of tyranny

Antifederalists

feared infringement of liberty, federalists argued national government could actually expand liberties tenth amendment- states rights, rights powers not national given to states

Executive Branch

feared too much power in hands of lower class electing president, also feared selection by legislature put too much power for large states, Committee on Unfinished Portions- iron out disputes over executive, decided on 4 year term instead of 7, but possible to serve more than 1 term

Religion

first settlers came for religious reasons, different churches but all Christian, Christian values affect social and political systems, America still largely a Christian nation, new religious groups- Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, debate- Christians want traditional conservative values, especially in schools and in Middle East policy Jews favor Israel, Muslims demand Palestinian state

Family

gender roles used to be clearly defined, large families, children worked, industrialization and knowledge of birth control= no child labor, smaller families, children live with parents, sometimes only one parent, 0-2 children considered "ideal", many single households- aging and declining marriage rates, marriage changing- same sex couples, change politics- ex. single parents more likely to support gov daycares, etc

John Locke

government exists to preserve private property- Constitution Second Treatise on Civil Government and Essay Concerning Human Understanding- denied divine right to govern, individuals equal, natural rights no king could remove, governments for public good- if governments act wrong break contract, no longer have consent justice comes from law- law making body should be most powerful, influenced America/Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Hobbs

influenced by English Civil War Leviathan- views on humanity and citizenship, politics, religion, philosophy: humans naturally at war, government needed to keep order, must give up some rights to government in order to protect/control society

Promoting the General Welfare

involvement of government has expanded tremendously, more of an ideal than mandate for early government, expectations of government have expanded along with government size, no universal agreement, debate over healthcare- is healthcare a fundamental right?

Problems with Articles of Confederation

lack of national identity/loyalty, weak central government hard to assemble 9 state quorum, little agreement Congress no power to tax- couldn't pay off debt or run country coin money but no way to back it up, couldn't regulate foreign trade no executive branch, no judicial system to handle economic and boundary disputes weak central government, states unwilling to give up the rights to a central government (bonus: bad harvest, no cash crops)

Maryland/Pennsylvania

later/middle colonies founded with religious tolerance in mind, Lord Baltimore established Maryland as a Catholic haven, William Penn established Pennsylvania for Quakers, also later bought Delaware, "holy experiment" attracted persecuted Europeans - Huguenots, Mennonites, Lutherans--- diversity

Establishing Justice

law system to establish common principles, dispense of justice by established legal authority, Congress authorized to create federal judicial system, Bill of Rights- trial by jury, informed of charges against them, tried in court room, impartial judge

Article I: legislative branch

legislative power to Congress, bicameral, qualifications/terms/selection/appointment of Congress members, "enumeration" of citizenry every 10 years, section 8- lists powers, enumerated powers included many denied under Articles, ex. regulate trade and coin money, elastic clause- make all laws "necessary and proper"- allow for freedom and laws to regulate environment, welfare, education etc, basis of implied powers- used to execute other powers

Libertarians

limited government, against interference with personal liberties (opposite of statists- big government)

Amending

long process for amending constitution to avoid impulsive change, only 17 since Bill of Rights, but informal amendments also impact COnstitution

Articles of Confederation

loose "friendship" among colonies -confederation: power comes from states, not national government, considered mostly independent states loosely connected -national Congress had power to-- make peace, coin money, appoint officers for army, control post office, negotiate with Native Americans -states held independence and sovereignty, authority to govern -one vote in Congress per state despite size -2/3 vote for any measure, unanimous for amendment --delegates to Congress based on respective state legislature -ratified March 1781, British surrendered-- chaos

Informal Methods

major impact on Constitution judicial interpretation: federal courts power to nullify national government, declared by Supreme Court in 1803, increased authority of Court, some say original goals of Framers should determine judicial interpretation, others say Framers knew changing society needed document to adapt to change Mark v Tushnet: criticism of judicial review and reliance on courts, claims Americans unwilling to enforce Constitution because they think its the job of the court, if citizens were more involved it would be a system of populist constitutional law and representative government

Liberty and Equality

most important characteristics, ensure life and liberty, *personal liberty*- has changed from freedom from to freedom to, free from taking away rights and freedom of religion/speech, 14th Amendment- due process and equal protection of the law, civil rights and liberties, free from discrimination, expanded liberty to freedom to work/go to school/etc debate over how much the government should do to guarantee those rights/liberties *political equality*- all citizens equal under law, change over time- civil rights, changed dramatically since founding era

Second Continental Congress

necessary, but fighting started at Lexington and Concord in April- "shot heard 'round the world" Philadelphia May 10- Olive Branch Petition July 5th- KG3 rejected and declared colonists rebels George Washington (Virginia) appointed commander in chief of Continental Army

State Powers Under Constitution

not listed in Constitution, Article I- states set time/places/ways to hold elections for Congress, Article II- states appoint electors for president, Article IV- each state Republican government (represents citizens), Tenth Amendment-- state powers: powers not delegated to federal, reserved/police/powers- foundation of state legislation for public health and welfare/safety and morale of citizens, ex. state restrictions on abortion, state criminal laws

Redefining Expectations

original federal government very small- national defense, printing money, collecting tariffs/tax), states originally had more influence over daily life, more responsibility as nation grew- business, poverty relief, food, many people lack faith in government, blame government or feel its going in the wrong direction, government regulates time, radio, TV, states regulate and tax, food and water standards, people have high living standards because of government Americans want to redefine government want more for themselves but less for others, want less government but not less social security, want better conditions but don't want taxes to pay for them, want better education but less expensive schools, people fail to recognize what government has done for them

Thomas Paine's Common Sense

pamphlet for independence, denounced Britain- changed colonists's minds

Government

policies are made, affairs of state are conducted --Virginia House of Burgesses- first representative assembly, make laws --Massachusetts town meetings- keep religious/cultural values tension with crown- role and form of government- foundations of constitution

Mercantilism

power depends on wealth, increase wealth through commercial industry and favorable balance of trade

Checks and Balances

powers of each branch, two Congressional houses and national state government check each other, no branch has exclusive power over anything, minimize threat of tyranny, ex. president commander in chief of military but needs authority from Congress under War Powers Act 1973

Articles of Constitution

preamble and 7 articles, first 3 establish branches, defined internal operations and relations, order of articles/details of first 3 show concern for abuse of powers, other 4 relationships among states, national law supreme, methods to amend

Navigation Acts

prevent Holland from trading with colonies control colonial trade in order to export more than they import- ignored by colonists, agreement- Britain had power to regulate trade and international affairs, colonies still had right to levy taxes until French and Indian War

Federalists v Antifederalists

proposed limiting taxing power, council to curb executive, military consist of state militia, Supreme Court power limited, demanded Bill of Rights currently missing, Madison argued- voters not always successful in picking smart statesmen, therefore factions within government would threaten liberties instead, no form of government could avoid all corruption but this government would minimize, governments would handle local needs, also separation of powers would avoid tyranny

Socially Conservative

religious ties, government should support traditional moral teachings, government intervention in sexual/social behavior, against contraceptives, abortion and LGBT, majority Christian but exceptions

Social and Cultural Change

role of minorities including African Americans and women have changed drastically since original constitution, no specific amendment for equal women's rights, but courts have interpreted Constitution to prohibit gender discrimination, also change how government acts- ex. New Deal legislation in 30s

Regional Growth/Expansion

sectionalism seen early- South focused on commerce while North focused on religion-- regions evolved differently, America became industrialized, more immigrants brought new viewpoints and demands of government, regional differences affect public opinion- North v South-- slavery and civil rights, South wants smaller government and state rights, West seen as wild, avoid cities and have antigovernment feelings, others seek government solutions (water rights), rural v urban-- rural more conservative, Republicans South, West, Midwest, Democrats Northeast and West

Political Ideology

set of beliefs people hold about the purpose and scope of government, ideologies- sets of beliefs that shape individual thinking, shape politics 1. explanation- reasons why social/political conditions are the way they are 2. evaluation- provides standards for changing social/political conditions 3. orientation- give people orientation and role in the world 4. political program- help people make political choices and actions, religious, philosophical, cultural beliefs become cohesive ideologies and political conflict

Political Culture

shared attitudes, beliefs, and values about how government should work --American: liberty, equality, popular consent (power of the people), individualism, religious freedom

Concurrent Powers

shared by national and state governments, power to tax, right to borrow money, establish courts, charter banks, spend money for general welfare

Constitutional Convention

states called for convention in Philadelphia 1787, to revise Articles-- debate, resolutions/proposals, series of compromises 55 delegates private, George Washington presiding officer, most in 20-30s, Ben Franklin 81, 17 owned constitution: established structure, functions, and limitations of government

Functions of American Government

allow individuals to solve conflicts in an orderly and peaceful manner

Slavery Issue

balance Southern commercial interests with Northern concerns, South: continue slave trade for 20 years, 20 year ban on taxing exports (cotton), North: only a majority vote on navigation laws, government authority to regulate foreign trade, Senate power to ratify treaties by 2/3 majority

Three Fifths Compromise

slaves could not vote but slaves would count as 3/5 of a person- help South

Protestant Reformation

started by Martin Luther and John Calvin led to *Enlightenment*- scientists like Isaac Newton, reason, science, religious tolerance

New Jersey

strengthen Articles (not replace), one house with one vote per state, Congress power to raise revenue through duties and fees, Supreme Court members appointed for life

Charles-Louis

the Second Baron of Montesquieu: Spirit of the Laws- social contract, best governments fits with "peculiar character of its people", theory of liberty- branches of power, checks and balances

Liberals

change political, economic, and social aspects to keep equality and well being, value equality the most, social welfare programs, stop economic disadvantages, correct injustices, oppose government regulation of private behavior, civil rights or civil liberties

Principals of Constitution

concern with balancing state/national power, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances,

Ensuring Domestic Tranquility

debate, during crisis governments have more power, ex. 9/11- Department of Homeland Security, police, national guards, troops, armed services, ability to call up militias

Boston Massacre

British troops to Boston- March 1770, 5 killed, duties removed except on tea

Virginia Plan

Edmund Randolph/James Madison, government power from people and not states, powerful central government with three branches, 2 house legislative power to select executive/judicial

Federal System

US first country to have, national/state governments share power and derive authority from people, effective- Canada, Mexico, Russia followed

Securing the Blessings of Liberty

free to criticize government, petition when they have disagreements or grievances, protest

Republicanism

American colonists, avoid monarchy and aristocracy, keep people at center --direct democracy- not possible, too big --indirect democracy- vote for representatives, represent all people (preferred the term republic over democracy because the term caused fear)

Technological Change

new questions over privacy and rights, surveillance of electronics and internet, expansion of political systems

Tea Act 1773

monopoly to East India Company, prices of tea decreased which undercut and hurt American merchants-- Boston Tea Party

The Framers

rejected system with strong ruler, feared British monarchy, republican form of government

Ratifying

votes from December 1787 June 1788: two small states Delaware and NJ ratified before equal representation in Senate, Pennsylvania ratified, Mass supported but called for personal rights, new Hampshire 9th to ratify, New York and Virginia almost half of population hadn't ratified opposition in NY- violence and death, when Virginia finally ratified so did NY, both wanted Bill of Rights, North Carolina/Rhode Island against ratification, NC first state to reject due to AntiFederalist Amendments, month later Congress submitted Bill, NC then ratified, Rhode Island didn't ratify until 1790- convention that ratified by only 2 votes

Formal Methods

2 stages, 2 ways to accomplish each *proposal*- 1. 2/3 vote of both houses 2. 2/3 vote of state legislatures requesting Congress to call national convention- never used but effective threat *ratification*- 1. favorable vote in 3/4 of state legislatures 2. favorable vote in ratifying conventions in 3/4 of states (how Constitution was ratified, since then only one convention has been called- 18th Amendment for Prohibition voted by state legislatures, 21st to appeal it called ratifying conventions and was therefore fast) (different amendments varied in efforts to be ratified- ex. 21st ratified fast, ERA reintroduced multiple times and not ratified, recently- fights for antiflag burning)

The Federalist Papers

85 essays under name Publius/"the people", NY newspapers- Alexander Hamilton wrote 51, James Madison wrote 26 and 3 joint w Hamilton, John Jay wrote 5, reasons for constitution, dry/scholarly, clearly articulated, antifederalist response:letters written under "Brutus" and "Cato", criticized Constitution- make states powerless, Articles were true federal system, too many taxes, invalidate state laws, president too much power

Stamp Act Congress 1765

9/13 colonies, led by Sam Adams, NYC list of crown's violation of rights, crown didn't have this authority beginning of colonial unity but still loyal to Britain wanted representation- British thought impractical-- virtual representation Stamp Act repealed and Sugar Act revised, Townshend Acts 1766- many taxes including tea- more boycotts (North East affected the most-- most protest, especially Boston)

Aging

America used to be young (under 20 outnumbered over 20), changes in fertility, life expectancy, immigration-- no longer true, aging= financial burden, Social Security and Medicare, financial burden on working age whose numbers are declining, can lead to cuts in benefits to elderly, increased taxes for younger workers, elderly less likely to vote for things like new schools, young less likely to vote for things like Medicare-- rift

French and Indian War

Britain v France territorial claims Treaty of Paris 1763- expelled from continent, British land but colonists couldn't pass Appalachians, help Indian problem --debt: Sugar Act 1764, Stamp Act 1765, "no taxation without representation", Quartering Act 1765-- Sons and Daughter's of Liberty- violent protests, mobs, boycotts

Charles A Beard

Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States (1913) 1780s critical- business feared weak government hurt them, strong government would promote industry/trade, protect private property, help pay off debt many say Framer's wealth not connected to establishing Constitution

Separation of Powers

Madison feared too much power in individual hands, key features: 1. three branches- executive, legislative, judicial, 2. separate staffed branches, 3. constitutional equality/liberty for each branch (legislative-make laws, executive- enforce laws, judiciary- interpret laws initially reps, Senators, president, and members of courts selected by/responsible for different constituencies, meant to divide offices and who selects them among many people, senators originally picked by state legislators, 17th Amendment in 1913 called for direct election by people, more democratic, intermingling- legislative power in Congress but presidential ability to veto, but veto can be overridden by 2/3 vote, and judicial interpretation clarifies language/implementation of laws, really interdependence instead of separation, president has major legislative power, Supreme Court interprets constitution but also power deciding elections, criminal procedure, women's rights, etc

Independence

May 1776- Virginia called for independence- delegated Richard Henry Lee, June 7 1776 resolved independence, formation of foreign alliances, plan of confederation-- debate 6 states instructed delegates to vote for independence but Congress suspended to allow for further instruction

Conservative

tradition/status quo, change should be slow and in moderation if needed, the best governments govern least, less regulation of economy, local and state action over federal, fiscal responsibility- balanced budgets, domestic problems should be dealt with privately- homelessness, poverty, discrimination

Bill of Rights

when constitution ratified- immediate est of amendments to states to ratify- enlarge House and prevent members of House from raising their salaries failed, next ten amendments- guarantee specific rights/liberties, limitations on national government freedom of expression, speech, press, religion, assembly, safeguards for accused criminals, right to bear arms, right to refuse quarters, 9th people have more implied rights, 10th- powers not given to national government reserved for states

Politics

who gets what, when, and how, how decisions get made, affected by changing American citizenry, competition- winners and losers continue to change, ideologies of people in control of Congress affects what gets done