Foundational Documents (Unit 1)

Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

Document written in 1776 before the Revolutionary War starts; discusses ideas of natural rights, social contract that Britain is violating; 27 grievances against Britain; officially declares colonies independent and states colonies can declare war on GB.

Articles of Confederation

document creating the colonial government DURING the American Revolution. Supports small state republics as form of government--Anti Federalist POV; Opposes strong central government; small governments understand their people more.

US Constitution

Written and adopted in 1787 AFTER the Revolutionary War. Original document is ONLY the 7 Articles -- NO Bill of Rights. Beliefs: Separation of powers, checks and balances, federal supremacy

Separation of Powers

The division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the federal (national) government

Social Contract

Enlightenment theory that citizens & government enter into a contract where government protects citizen's rights.

Natural Rights

Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness; rights guaranteed to all citizens and individuals-- government cannot take away

Constitutional Convention (1787)

Meeting of state delegates in 1787 where US Constitution was written; orignially meet to only revise the AOC.

Federal Supremacy

Article 7 of US Constitution . Constitution and federal government is the supreme law of the land and all states must follow

Full Faith & Credit Clause

Article 4 of US Constitution. All states must recognize public records and legal proceedings of other states

Slave Trade Compromise

Congress could not regulate or outlaw slave trade until 1808. Compromise to keep southern states in the union at start of the new nation

3/5 Compromise

Slaves are represented as 3/5 of a whole person; compromise made for southern states to join union. Benefits southern states in representation in House of Reps.

Virginia Plan

"Large" state plan; Representation based on population; Bicameral (2 Houses); 3 Branches of Government

New Jersey Plan

"Small" state plan; Representaiton is equal regardless of population and size of state; Unicameral (1 House)

Connecticut (Great) Compromise

Combination of NJ & VA Plans. Creates the Legislative (Congress) that we have today. Bicameral (2 Houses) with Senate (2) & House of Representatives (population)

Necessary & Proper Clause

Article 1, Section 8 of Constitution; gives Congress the power to make any law they deem necessary & proper at a time

Legislative Branch is in which Article of the Constitution?

Article 1

Executive Branch is in which Article of the Constitution?

Article 2

Judicial Branch is in which Article of the Constitution?

Article 3

Anti Federalist vs. Federalist Debate

Occurs AFTER the passing of the original Constitution to debate the power of the national government

Anti-Federalist

- Strong Small Government
- State Governments
- Bill of Rights is necessary
- Individual rights need to be protected and can only be protected in a small government
- Necessary & Proper clause gives federal government unlimited power
- AOC & Brutush NO 1

Federalist

- Strong federal Government
- Support the Constitution AS IS
- Bill of Rights does not need to be written down, all individual rights are implied
- Federalist Papers & Constitution

Federalist No. 10

James Madison
Factions are dangerous, but inevitable to society;
to control the impact of factions need to have a LARGE society & government so multiple opinions are heard. In small republics (state governments) only the majority faction will be heard and minority opinions are ignored & oppressed

Federalist No. 51

James Madison
Checks & Balances and Separation of Powers; the three branches need to be separate from one another in power, influence, and people. The Legislative Branch naturally becomes most powerful, but the separation of powers in a large republic will limit faction control too

Federalist No. 70

Alexander Hamilton
Strong, single executive in the branch. If multiple people make up the executive branch then nothing will be done, impossible to hold accountable, unsure who is responsible

Federalist No. 78

Alexander Hamilton
Judiciary Branch is the weakest and must be protected. The branch has the power of interpret and defend the constitution. Judicial review is recognized as a major power. Judges have lifetime appointment for good behavior & amount of work and training done for the job.

Judicial Review

Courts interpret & determine the constitutionality of a government law or action

Unicameral Legisature

1 House Legislative Branch (NJ Plan)

Bicameral Legislature

2 House Legislative Branch (VA Plan & Great Comp.)

Amendment Process is discussed in which part of the Constitution

Article 5

Amendment Proposal

2/3 vote by each house of Congress OR 2/3 of the state legislatures at a national convention.

Amendment Ratification

3/4 of each house of Congress OR 3/4 of state legislatures

Participatory Democracy

Theory of democracy where all citizens are active participants in the voting and government process

Pluralist Theory of Democracy

Various groups (factions) will compete for control in the government system

Elite Theory of Democracy

A theory of government where government is ruled by an upper-class elite group

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist POV against the Federalist Papers
Small state governments should control power of government; against strong central government

Which document discusses participatory democracy?

Brutus No. 1

Which document discusses a pluralist and/or elite democracy

Federalist No. 10

Confederation

Government where state governments hold more power and dictate the decisions of the federal government

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

1. No National Government (besides Congress)
2. No national military
3. No power of taxation to raise revenue ($$)
4. Unanimous agreements to make changes
5. No country loyalty