Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy Notes

What is federalism, and why does the U.S. use it?

Federalism divides power between national and state governments, balancing authority to prevent tyranny and allow local responsiveness.

How does federalism prevent concentration of power?

By splitting authority, federalism limits any one level from dominating and allows states to address local needs independently.

How does federalism enhance citizen participation?

Citizens can engage in local, state, and federal governance, increasing democratic involvement at multiple levels.

How does federalism protect minority influence?

Local governments enable minority parties or groups to exert power in jurisdictions where they hold influence.

What is the significance of policy experimentation in federalism?

States act as "laboratories of democracy," testing policies that may be adopted nationally if successful.

What are the main disadvantages of federalism?

Complexity, duplication, unclear jurisdiction, and slow policy changes due to layered government structures.

What are expressed powers, and give examples.

Powers listed in the Constitution for Congress, e.g., coin money, declare war, regulate interstate commerce.

What are reserved powers, and why are they important?

Powers kept by states under the 10th Amendment, like education and public safety, preserving state sovereignty.

What are concurrent powers?

Shared powers between state and federal governments, e.g., taxation, law enforcement, and road construction.

What defines dual federalism?

"Layer cake" model; federal and state governments operate independently within their constitutional spheres.

What triggered cooperative federalism?

The New Deal; federal agencies collaborated with states, expanding federal powers using the Elastic Clause.

What is new federalism/devolution?

Since the 1980s, powers return to states with federal funding but more state discretion, emphasizing local control.

What is the Elastic Clause's role?

Allows Congress to pass laws necessary for executing enumerated powers, enabling expanded federal authority.

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

Federal law overrides conflicting state laws, ensuring national uniformity.

How does the Commerce Clause define federal power?

Grants Congress power to regulate interstate trade, including channels, instrumentalities, and substantial economic effects.

What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

States must honor public acts, records, and judicial proceedings from other states.

How do Privileges and Immunities protect non-citizens?

Ensures equal rights in a state, preventing discrimination against residents from other states.

What does extradition require?

Fugitives must be returned to the state where a crime occurred upon capture.

How does the 10th Amendment reinforce federalism?

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for states or the people.

How does the 14th Amendment affect state authority?

States must provide due process and equal protection, strengthening civil rights protections.

What is a constitutional amendment?

A permanent change or addition to the Constitution, reflecting societal or political evolution.

What is the Congressional method to amend the Constitution?

Two-thirds of both houses propose; three-fourths of states ratify via legislatures or conventions.

What is the state convention method for amendments?

Two-thirds of state legislatures call a convention; three-fourths of states must approve the amendment.

Why is amending the Constitution difficult?

Requires supermajorities, ensuring stability and preventing fleeting political trends from altering the Constitution.

What types of amendments exist?

Bill of Rights (1–10), suffrage, societal change (e.g., 13th, 14th, 18th, 21st), and government structure amendments.

How do informal constitutional changes occur?

Through court rulings, executive actions, and societal shifts expanding rights or federal programs.

Why are supermajorities important in amendment processes?

They ensure broad consensus and protect against hasty or partisan changes.

What was Shay’s Rebellion?

Farmers led by Daniel Shays attacked courts to stop foreclosures, revealing the Articles’ weakness in maintaining order.

How did Shay’s Rebellion influence government reform?

Exposed need for stronger central government, prompting the Constitutional Convention.

When and where was the Constitutional Convention?

Philadelphia, 1787; 55 delegates from 12 states aimed to strengthen federal power while balancing state interests.

Who is James Madison?

"Father of the Constitution," instrumental in drafting and advocating the new framework; Jefferson and Adams absent.

How does separation of powers prevent tyranny?

Divides government into legislative, executive, judicial branches to limit any single branch.

How do checks and balances work?

Each branch can constrain others, ensuring no branch dominates.

How does federalism prevent majority tyranny?

Citizens elect representatives indirectly; Senators chosen by legislatures, President via Electoral College.

How did the Constitution initially protect individual rights?

Limits on government powers (no nobility, ex-post facto laws) and later Bill of Rights added.

What was the Great Compromise?

Bicameral legislature: House by population, Senate equal per state, balancing large and small states.

How did the Three-Fifths Compromise affect representation?

Slaves counted as three-fifths for representation/taxation, easing sectional tension but delaying slavery resolution.

How is the Constitution structured?

Preamble, Articles I–VII, covering branches, state relations, amendments, supremacy, and ratification.

How did ratification debates unfold?

Federalists supported, Anti-Federalists opposed; 9/13 states approval needed, finalized 1790.

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

Weak central government, no tax power, equal state votes, hard amendments, poor economic/security management.

What issue arose in U.S. v. Lopez (1995)?

Congress exceeded Commerce Clause authority by banning guns in school zones, which was local, non-economic activity.

How did supporters justify GFSZA under commerce?

Argued gun violence impacts interstate commerce via costs, education disruption, and community safety.

How did opponents argue against GFSZA?

Gun possession near schools is local, non-economic, intrudes on state authority, and could create unlimited federal power.

What did the Supreme Court decide in Lopez?

5–4 ruled GFSZA unconstitutional; Congress can regulate only channels, instrumentalities, or activities with substantial economic effect.

What was the significance of Lopez?

First limit on Commerce Clause since 1937; reinforced federalism and state authority over local issues.

How was GFSZA amended after Lopez?

Law now requires proof gun affected interstate commerce; aligns with Commerce Clause, upholding federal regulation with direct connection.

How has racial and ethnic diversity changed in the U.S.?

Non-Hispanic whites are projected to decrease from 62% to 44% by 2060, with Hispanics being the fastest-growing group.

How do citizens use economic leverage in civic engagement?

Through boycotts and buycotts, citizens can influence firms based on their policies and practices.

What are some challenges associated with technology in politics?

Foreign interference, information overload, potential for increased cynicism, and privacy concerns.

What is the difference between a democracy and a republic?

A democracy involves direct citizen participation, while a republic involves representative government.

Define 'constitutionalism'.

Government limited by a written constitution that protects individual rights.

How has the aging population impacted policy priorities?

Increased pressure on Social Security, Medicare, and age-related services.

What is the principle of 'efficacy in action'?

When individuals act, they experience efficacy —the belief that their efforts can produce desired outcomes, and repetition strengthens advocacy skills.

How has youth voter turnout changed?

Youth voter turnout rose to ~43% in 2016, up from 2012.

What is the core belief that fuels citizen activism?

The belief that 'my voice matters' fuels participation.

What quote by Margaret Mead relates to citizen activism?

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

What is the impact of geographic concentration on policy priorities?

Policy priorities shift toward infrastructure, housing, and climate resilience in high-growth regions.

How has technology impacted political communication?

Technology, including social media, micro-targeting, email, and text messaging, has reshaped how politicians communicate and voters receive information.

What is the significance of the concept of 'consent of the governed'?

It means that people grant authority to government, with majority rule protecting minority rights.

What are the key ideologies on the American political spectrum?

Liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and libertarianism.

What are some traditional actions for civic engagement?

Voting, running for office, and volunteering for campaigns or community projects.

How does the concept of liberty manifest in American values?

Liberty includes freedom from undue government interference and freedom to pursue happiness.

What is the difference between a constitutional monarchy and an absolute monarchy?

A constitutional monarchy has a monarch with ceremonial powers, while an absolute monarchy has a monarch with complete control.

What is the impact of population growth on public services?

Greater demand for public services due to a growing and more diverse population.

What is the significance of the Mayflower Compact?

It was an early social contract emphasizing the consent of the governed.

What demographic trends are impacting American politics?

Population growth, geographic concentration, aging population, racial/ethnic diversity, and changes in household structure.

What are the core functions of government?

National defense, domestic order & stability, legal system, public services, fiscal operations, and socialization.

How did Enlightenment thinkers influence American democracy?

Thinkers like Newton, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau influenced ideas on natural law, social contract, and popular sovereignty.

What is the role of capitalism in American political values?

Capitalism involves private ownership of production, with market determination of prices, wages, and distribution, subject to government regulation.

What are the core American political values?

Liberty, equality, capitalism, consent of the governed, and individualism.

What are some ways citizens can engage in civic and political activities?

Voting, running for office, volunteering, internet activism, buycotting, e-petitions, and online protests.

Define 'civic engagement' according to Michael Delli Carpini.

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

What is the role of socialization in government functions?

Socialization involves shaping political values and civic identity through institutions like public schools and community programs.

What are the key influences on American democracy?

Ancient Greece (demokratia), Judeo-Christian tradition, English common law, the Reformation, and the Enlightenment.

What are the main types of government systems?

Monarchy, oligarchy, democracy, totalitarianism, and authoritarianism.

Main purpose of declaring independence

To secure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and establish a new government

Event that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Shays's Rebellion (1786-87)

Guiding principles of the U.S. Constitution

Popular sovereignty, federalism, protected natural rights

Amendment that changed the selection process for Senators

17th Amendment (1913)

Purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

To state the long-term goals and purposes of the Constitution

Year the first written constitutions were adopted in the U.S.

1776 (e.g., Virginia)

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted each enslaved person as 3/5 of a free person for representation and taxation purposes

Factors courts consider when interpreting the Constitution

Text, original understanding, historical context, precedent, constitutional values, contemporary needs

Main reason the Constitution remains dynamic

Amendments, Supreme Court rulings, and public discourse continuously reshape its application

Initial selection process for Senators

Originally chosen by state legislatures

Year the U.S. Constitution was ratified

1789

Compromise that determined representation in Congress

Connecticut (Great) Compromise: proportional representation in the House, equal representation in the Senate

Core protection of the 1st Amendment

Speech, religion, press, assembly, petition

Purpose of the Separation of Powers

To prevent tyranny by dividing power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches

Provisions related to slavery in the original Constitution

Importation clause, Fugitive Slave Clause, Three-Fifths Compromise

Initial purpose of the Constitutional Convention

To revise the Articles of Confederation

Core mission of the U.S. Constitution

To form 'a more perfect union'

Year the Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia

1787

Year the Colonists declared independence

1776

Document sent to the 13 states for ratification in 1777

Articles of Confederation

Main argument of Federalists during ratification

The Constitution's structure protected liberty

Case that established judicial review

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Structure of Congress under the Articles of Confederation

Unicameral Congress; each state had one vote

Process for amending the Constitution

Proposal by 2/3 of Congress or convention, ratification by 3/4 of states

Type of system created by the Articles of Confederation

Confederal system: a loose alliance of sovereign states with a weak national government