Matching Final - American Government

Flashcards that directly answer the key terms portion from the Morgan AP Teaching Section from the Final Review Packet.

Charles-Louis Montesquieu

Stressed the importance of separation of powers between branches of government.

Thomas Hobbes

Argued that human nature necessitates the existence of a social contract in which authority is vested by the people to protect the interests and rights of others at the expense of certain personal liberties.

James Madison

Wrote about the dangers of factions and explained how a 'well-constructed republic' would 'control the effects of factions.'

Alexander Hamilton

Argued for judicial review and the importance of an independent judiciary.

John Locke

Strongly influenced both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by promoting the idea that governments are social contracts created by people willingly giving up freedom to gain protection of life and property.

US Constitution

In its introduction, this document purposes to 'promote the general welfare' as well as 'secure the blessings of liberty.'

Bill of Rights

Specifically protects basic rights such as freedom of speech, right to a trial by jury, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment.

Declaration of Independence

Argues that governments should protect the 'inalienable rights' of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'

Federalist #10

Suggest that majority rule can become tyrannical because passionate and unified citizens will have the power to oppress the rights of others unless constitutionally restrained.

Federalist #51

Argues that government is a necessary evil and government power must be separated into branches that have the power to check each other.

Articles of Confederation

Formed a union of states as a 'league of friendship' in which the national government had little power.

Federalist #78

Argues that the judicial branch and its review powers were substantially limited by constitutional clauses, separation of powers, and the stipulation that terms were dependent upon 'good behavior.'

House of Representatives

Two-year term of office. Must be at least 25 years of age. Initiates all legislation dealing with taxation and/or spending.

Senate

Six-year term of office. Must be a U.S. citizen for at least nine years. Confirms cabinet and judicial appointments made by the president. Must be at least 30 years of age. Ratifies treaties.

Congress

Regulates interstate trade.

Neither the House nor the Senate

Grants titles of nobility.

Eighth Amendment

"no excessive bail or fines".

Second Amendment

"the right of the people to bear arms shall not be infringed".

First Amendment

freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Ninth Amendment

guarantees freedoms to individuals not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Fifth Amendment

defendants may not be compelled to testify against themselves.

Fourth Amendment

the government cannot conduct unreasonable searches or seizures & cannot issue warrants without probable cause.

Tenth Amendment

establishes the premise for empowering the states with reserved powers.

Sixth Amendment

guarantees individuals the right to a speedy trial by a jury of their peers.

Coin money, negotiate treaties, granting patents, establish and regulate the military.

Enumerated (Expressed/Delegated)

Setting up public schools, issuing licenses to doctors and teachers, establishing a legal drinking age.

Reserved

Creation of courts and legislatures.

Concurrent

Creation of the IRS, levy and collect taxes

Implied

Federal

Some governing authority rests at the local level and a stronger central government provides national security.

Unitary

All power is centralized in one place, so policy making is more efficient but the lack of checks and balances could lead to authoritarianism.

Confederation

Since the central government is weak, the states in the alliance have greater sovereignty but maintaining unity and cooperation is more difficult.