Gov 220 Final Exam

God's Authority vs. Man's Authority

God's sovereignty supersedes human authority.

Inalienable Rights

Rights granted by God, inherent to all individuals, not revocable by government.

Covenant/Federalism

Federalism mirrors covenantal relationships, dividing powers.

Doctrine of the Two Swords

Church and state have separate roles under God's authority.

Tower of Babel Fallacy

Centralized planning risks widespread failure.

Just War Theory

Just cause, legitimate authority, last resort, proportionality.

De Facto Inequality vs. De Jure Injustice

Inequality exists naturally (de facto); injustice arises from laws (de jure).

Articles of the Constitution

Define government structure and powers.

General Welfare Clause

Promotes the common good.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to enact laws to fulfill its duties.

Idolatry of Office

Avoid idolizing political power; governance should reflect servant leadership.

Media Freedom

Diverse sources ensure accountability.

Committee Work

Reflects self-governance and accountability.

Presidents as Prophetic Voices

Presidents shape public values but should not wield unchecked power.

Civil Servants vs. Bureaucrats

Civil Servants: Administer law fairly; Bureaucrats: Risk becoming territorial and power-driven.

Regulatory Burden

Overregulation reduces effectiveness and increases dependency on legal experts.

Judicial Activism

Unelected judges interpreting the Constitution without accountability.

Judicial Independence

Lifetime appointments protect judges from political pressure.

Sin vs. Crime in Poverty Policy

Poverty is a societal sin but not always a state crime.

Social Security

Collects wealth but does not create it.

Education and Propaganda

Education as a state tool risks indoctrination.

Keynesian Economics

Market irrationality is matched by state irrationality.

Free Market Morality

Encourages innovation and wealth creation over wealth redistribution.

Radical Islam vs. Stalinism

Stalinism posed greater existential threats; Islamic radicalism poses cultural challenges.

Restorative Justice

Rehabilitation and reconciliation over punishment.

Broken-Window Policing

Data profiling risks inequity.

Negative Rights

Rights ensuring freedom from interference (e.g., speech, property).

Private Prisons

Profit motives conflict with justice priorities.

FDR's Policies

Expanded federal roles undermined self-governance.

Mental Health in Public Policy

State intervention may be needed for public safety.

Moral Case for Free Markets

Aligns with Biblical values of liberty and stewardship.

Article I

Establishes the Legislative Branch, outlining the structure, powers, and limitations of Congress.

Article II

Establishes the Executive Branch, defining the presidency and its powers.

Article III

Establishes the Judicial Branch, outlining the structure and powers of the federal court system.

Article IV

Addresses the states' powers and limits, and responsibilities to one another.

Article V

Outlines the process for amending the Constitution.

Article VI

Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land and addresses oaths of office.

Article VII

Details the process for ratification of the Constitution.

Misuse of the General Welfare Clause

Often misinterpreted to justify excessive spending and programs beyond the original intent of promoting the common good, resulting in extensive government intervention.