GOV

Why are certain powers left to the states rather than given to the National Government?

Certain powers are left to the states rather than given to the National Government because powers are given to the states that might change temporary,local things. Powers include those that might change by the location or the population of people in the state, or to split up the government and not have all the power residing in the national government- an all powerful government

How is power distributed in a federal government?

A federal government divides its power and responsibilities between the national government and state governments.

Compare and contrast direct versus representative democracy?

Direct democracy or pure democracy is a form of government wherein citizens have a direct say in the formation of laws and issues that affect them while a representative democracy is a form of government wherein its citizens vote for or elect a representatives to represent them in congress or the senate

How does a federal state differ from a confederate state?

Federal state and confederate state differ because federal state's national government and states are co-equal partners, whereas in a confederate state most power belongs to local (regional) government. The power of the federal government is divided into three branches, the executive, legislative, and judicial.

How are the powers divided among the States and National Government?

All powers not given to the national government are given to the states.

For what unalienable rights was the American Revolution fought?

American Revolution was fought over the rights of individuals against government.

According to Hobbes and Locke, what is the social contract that exists between the government and the governed?

Social Contract is an implicit among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits. According to Hobbes and Locke, the lives of individuals in the state of nature were "Solitary, poor, nasty, Brutish and short", a state in which self-interest and absence of rights and contracts prevented the "social", or society. Life was "anarchic" (without leadership or the concept of sovereignty).

Define federalism

Federalism means shared powers.

Give a historical, a practical, and theoretical reason why the Framers created a bicameral legislature

Historical: The British Parliament had consisted of two houses since 1300s Practical: The Framers had to create a two-chambered body to settle the conflict between the virginia and the New Jersey Plans at Philadelphia in 1787 Theoretically: The Framers favored a bicameral Congress in order that one house might act as a check on the other

Explain the fundamental idea of democracy

In a democracy citizens directly vote on issues and elections.

How did the Framers of the Constitution guarantee those rights?

In proclaiming the independence of the new United States, the founders of this country deduced this in the declaration of independence. The Framers of the constitution guaranteed those rights in the preamble to the constitution. "Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity".

How is a republic different from a democracy?

In republics, citizens have less direct control over government. Senators elected for life in a democracy.

How does American Constitution represent the values and principles of democracy and republicanism?

It separates powers and gives many different branches equal significance just as our democracy gives our people equality and the same rights.

Choose one branch of government and make an argument as to why it is the most important/powerful branch.

Judicial Branch: because it can override the other branches. It also determines whether the constitution allows certain laws to be passed.

What are the six basic principles (purposes) of the Constitution?

Popular Sovereignty: The people would be sovereign-they would have ultimate authority Limited Government: By creating a limited government they restricted the government's authority to specific powers granted by the people Federalism: framers wanted a strong central government, but did not want to deprive the states of all authority. Federalism means shared power. Three types of government powers are Enumerated Powers, Reserved Powers, and Concurrent Powers. Separation of powers: Framers did not want any one group of people to have complete control of the government. Created three branches, each with its own function and powers: legislative, executive, and judicial. Checks and Balances: Framers wanted each branch of government to be able to check, or limit, the power of the other branches. Balances power, prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful. Judicial: Can declare actions unconstitutional Executive: can veto laws, appoints judges, grants pardons Legislature: can override veto, ratifies laws, impeach Individual Rights: The ten amendments were approved in 1791 to protect basic rights. Known as the Bill of Rights. Freedom of speech Militia, right to keep and bear arms Protection from quartering of troops Protection from unreasonable search and seizure Right to due process, protections Right to trial by jury, accused rights Civil trial by jury Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment Protection of rights not enumerated in Constitution Power of states and people

Why do some people hold that the United States is more properly called a republic rather than democracy?

Some people hold that the United states is more properly called a republic rather than democracy because in a democracy there is no need for a constitution, since the majority can simply change law at whilm.

What is the Bill of Rights and why was it considered necessary?

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution. It is considered necessary to safeguard individual liberty. It was considered necessary to protect the citizens from the government.

What are the unique responsibilities of the House of Representatives

has several powers assigned exclusively to it, including the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal official, and elect the president in the case of an electoral college tie.

What are the unique responsibilities of the Senate?

has the power to impeach a government official, in effect serving as prosecutor. The senate has the sole power to conduct impeachment trials, essentially serving as jury and judge.