Foundations of U.S. Government Study Guide

What are the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence?

God made all men equal, government has a duty to protect the people's rights, certain unalienable rights, and people have the right to overthrow a corrupt government.

What are Natural Rights?

Rights given by birth; including life, liberty, and property.

What is Popular Sovereignty?

Government based on the consent of the people.

What is Republicanism?

Power by the people–either directly or by elected representatives.

What is the Social Contract?

People agree to live up to certain rules and expectations and accept a central authority in order to protect their rights.

What is Participatory Democracy?

Broad individual participation in politics and civil society. Example: A town meeting.

What is Pluralist Democracy?

Group-based activism by nongovernmental interests striving for impact on political decision-making. Example: Participation in an interest group.

What is Elite Democracy?

Limited participation in politics and civil society. Example: The Electoral College.

What powers did Congress have under the Articles of Confederation?

Declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relations with Indians.

What powers did Congress lack under the Articles of Confederation?

No centralized military power and no power to directly tax.

How were states represented under the Articles of Confederation?

The delegates had one vote per state.

How was Congress structured under the Articles of Confederation?

Unicameral, one house with one representative per state.

What was a problem with passing laws under the Articles of Confederation?

It was impossible to get every state to agree on ratifying or passing laws.

What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

To address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.

What are the Virginia (Large State) Plan and the New Jersey (Small State) Plan?

Virginia Plan: Votes based on population. New Jersey Plan: Equal representation per state.

What is the Electoral College Compromise?

A compromise between the election of the President by a vote in Congress and the election of the President by a popular vote of qualified citizens.

What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?

A slave counts at ⅗ of a person when counting population.

What system is outlined in the Constitution: Unitary, Federal, or Confederate?

Federal system, where a national government and the state governments share power.

What is required to pass an amendment in the Constitution?

2/3 of both houses’ approval and/or 3/4 of the states' approval.

Article I of the Constitution covers what?

Legislative power to be held in Congress–the House and the Senate.

What does Article II of the Constitution outline?

It outlines the method for electing the President, the scope of the President's powers and duties, and the process of removing one from office.

What does Article III of the Constitution establish?

One supreme Court and the establishment of lower courts.

What does Article V of the Constitution describe?

The amendment process, allowing changes to the Constitution.

What are the key principles of the Constitution?

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances.

What powers does the President have over Congress?

The President can veto laws, make treaties, take emergency actions, lead government offices, and approve all heads of departments.

What powers does Congress have over the President?

Congress can override vetoes, control the budget, control the cabinet, impeach the president, and declare war.

What powers do the courts have?

The courts can declare laws and actions unconstitutional.

How do the two houses of Congress balance each other out?

The House is a direct democracy chosen by people, while the Senate represents the whole state.

What is the impeachment process?

The House charges the official with an impeachment, and the Senate holds the trial to vote on whether to remove the representative.

What does Federalist #51 explain?

How the Constitution's separation of powers and checks and balances protects from control by any majority.

What is the main argument in Federalist #10?

Advocates for a pluralist model to control the 'mischiefs of faction' and protect minority rights.

What does Brutus #1 advocate for?

A more direct, participatory democracy and smaller, state-run governments.

Why did Anti-Federalists dislike the Constitution?

They wanted smaller, state-run governments and a Bill of Rights to protect individual rights.

Why did Federalists argue against the addition of a Bill of Rights?

They initially thought it was unnecessary and could limit rights that were not mentioned.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, enumerating the liberties and rights of individuals.