Gov Unit 1: Democracy and the Constitution

A comprehensive set of flashcards based on Unit 1 of the course, covering key concepts regarding American Democracy and the Constitution.

What was the main idea of the American Revolution?

Sovereignty comes from the people and government is limited.

What did the Constitution balance?

Individual freedom, order, and equality of opportunity.

What failed to create a stable nation under the early government?

The Articles of Confederation.

How is power divided in the US government?

Among the president, a two-house legislature, and the courts.

What is the role of each branch of government?

To check the others and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

What ongoing debate exists regarding power in the US?

How much power the states should have compared to the national government.

What did the ratification of the Constitution not end?

The controversy over how power is shared in America.

Who fought for individual rights in schools according to the lecture?

Bridget Mergens and members of the Gay-Straight Alliance.

What law underpinned the rights asserted by Mergens?

The Equal Access Act of 1984.

What notable Supreme Court ruling supported students' rights to form religious clubs?

Board of Education of Westside Community Schools v. Mergens.

What was the outcome of Bridget Mergens' case in the Supreme Court?

The Court upheld the rights of high school students to religious clubs.

What concern did school officials have regarding the Equal Access Act?

That it might allow groups with controversial agendas.

What was the response of students regarding the GSA in Kentucky?

They asserted their rights when denied and got help from the ACLU.

What was the result of the ACLU's involvement regarding the GSA?

Approval of the GSA by the school board.

What did the actions of Mergens and the GSA members illustrate?

The struggle for individual rights in a democratic context.

Describe the concept of politics according to the lecture.

The process of influencing the actions and policies of government.

Define government based on the lecture.

The rules and institutions that make up that system of policymaking.

What are some key components of American political culture?

Liberty, equality, and rights.

How does the Declaration of Independence frame the notion of rights?

It holds that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights.

Who was influential in shaping ideas in the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson, drawing from Enlightenment thinkers.

What did John Locke argue regarding government?

That government should protect natural rights and that people can replace unjust government.

What did Montesquieu propose regarding government?

That power should be divided among branches to avoid abuse of power.

How is American political culture characterized?

By a complex set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values.

Why do Americans value republicanism and popular sovereignty?

Because they believe in government deriving its power from the people.

Describe the importance of the Equal Access Act.

It restricts schools from denying equal access to student religious groups.

What did the Federalist Papers aim to achieve?

To support the ratification of the Constitution.

What was one major argument by the Antifederalists?

That the Constitution would lead to tyranny by the national government.

What significant compromise dealt with the issue of representation?

The Great Compromise.

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise establish?

That each slave would be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation.

What is the significance of the Federalist No. 10?

It discusses how a large republic can mitigate the dangers of factions.

What does Federalist No. 51 emphasize?

The importance of checks and balances in preventing tyranny.

What was a critical aspect of the ratification process?

The promise to add a Bill of Rights after ratification.

What are inalienable rights?

Rights that cannot be taken away by the government.

What purpose does federalism serve in American government?

It allows for the sharing of power between national and state governments.

What weaknesses did the Articles of Confederation exhibit?

Lack of power to tax and to enforce laws.

Who were the prominent Federalists?

George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison.

How many states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect?

Nine out of thirteen states.

What role did the Electoral College play in the election of the president?

It enables states to indirectly elect the president.

What does the supremacy clause state?

That the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land.

What challenge did the Federalists face when campaigning for ratification?

Convincing the public that a strong national government was beneficial.

What was one of the key concerns of the Anti-Federalists?

That the Constitution lacked a Bill of Rights.

What is the main focus of federalism in policy making?

To create multiple access points for political influence and representation.

What fundamental belief does the concept of democracy support?

That citizens have the right to influence their government.

What impact did Shays' Rebellion have on the Constitutional Convention?

It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

What was the outcome of the Annapolis Convention?

It led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

What was Madison's vision for the new government?

A republic that secured liberty and prevented the rise of tyranny.

Explain the compromise achieved regarding slavery at the Constitutional Convention.

The Three-Fifths Compromise allowed slaves to be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation.

What was the anti-federalist concern regarding a centralized military?

That it could be used against the liberties of the people.

What primary argument was made in Brutus No. 1?

That the country was too large to be governed as a republic.

How is the Bill of Rights significant in the context of federalism?

It was added to protect individual rights against potential government overreach.

What did James Madison argue about republican government?

It could safeguard against the dangers of factions.

What effect did the U.S. Constitution have on the relationship between federal and state governments?

It established a clear separation of powers and responsibilities.

What does the amendment process involve?

A two-stage process with proposals and ratification by state legislatures or conventions.

How did Hamilton, Madison, and Jay defend the Constitution?

By discussing the dangers of factions and the needs of a large republic.

What historic event did the ratification of the Constitution follow?

The failure of the Articles of Confederation.

What did Madison believe about the role of government in controlling factions?

Government should be structured to mitigate the influence of factions.

What is the importance of Federalist No. 51?

It emphasizes the need for checks and balances.

Which prominent document outlines the foundational principles of American democracy?

The Declaration of Independence.

What did the Federalists argue was necessary to avoid anarchy?

A strong national government.

What did the Anti-Federalists fear regarding individual rights?

That they would be compromised under a strong central government.

What was the compromise surrounding the selection of senators?

Originally chosen by state legislatures.

What did the process of amending the Constitution reflect?

The need for flexibility and adaptability in governance.

What did anti-federalists demand to ensure citizens' rights were protected?

The addition of a Bill of Rights.

What lasting impact did the Three-Fifths Compromise have on American politics?

It contributed to ongoing divisions over slavery.

What did Madison believe about factions and democracy?

Factions are natural but need to be controlled in a democratic system.

How did participation in the Philadelphia Convention differ from that in earlier assemblies?

It involved intense debate and compromise among diverse interests.

What founding principle of government did the framers believe in?

That government should be based on the consent of the governed.

Why was the Electoral College created?

To balance the influence of populous states in presidential elections.

What was the overarching goal of the Federalist campaign?

To persuade the public of the Constitution's necessity.

How did the ratification of the Constitution reflect American values?

It aimed to balance liberty with order and individual rights.

What argument did the Antifederalists use concerning the national governments' powers?

They were concerned about the potential for tyranny from a powerful central government.

What did the ratification of the Constitution represent in American history?

A pivotal moment for establishing a strong national government.

In what way did the Constitution reflect a compromise between state and federal interests?

It preserved state powers while establishing a federal framework.

How was the theme of balance depicted in the founding documents?

By ensuring that no single entity would dominate the political sphere.

What revolutionary idea was the Constitutional Convention based upon?

The belief in popular sovereignty and republicanism.

What was Madison’s stance on the necessity of political factions?

He acknowledged their inevitability but sought to limit their impact.

What does the phrase ‘We the People’ signify in the Constitution?

The source of governmental authority rests with the citizens.

Which faction did Madison primarily address in his writings?

The dangers posed by organized factions and their impact on governance.

How did the Federalists and Antifederalists view the role of centralized power differently?

Federalists saw it as essential for stability, while Antifederalists feared oppression.

What central tension does the concept of federalism encapsulate?

The balance of power between national and state authorities.

What was the primary concern of those opposed to the Constitution?

That it would create a distant and uncheckable central authority.

How did Hamilton contribute to the ratification efforts?

By advocating for the Constitution through the Federalist Papers.

What core values were debated during the ratification process?

Liberty, order, and representation.

What was the perceived risk of a strong executive?

The potential for tyranny.

Explain the significance of the Bill of Rights' adoption.

It was a guarantee of individual liberties against government infringement.

What key issue arose from the compromises made during the Constitutional Convention?

The future of slavery and its impact on representation.

How did the framers address concerns of minority rights?

By creating a system that prevents majority rule from infringing on minority rights.

Why was the ratification of the Constitution a complex process?

It required navigating deep divisions and concerns among various states.

What did the existence of political factions imply for the new republic?

That competing interests must be managed to preserve democracy.

How did the founders reconcile differing views on governance?

By creating a document based on compromise and mutual concessions.