Ap gov papers

Who wrote Federalist 10?

James Madison

What is the main focus of Federalist 10?

The effects of factions

What is a faction according to Federalist 10?

A group of citizens with a common interest adverse to the rights of other citizens

What solution does Madison propose for controlling factions?

Establishing a large republic

Why does Madison believe a large republic is better for controlling factions?

It makes it harder for majority factions to oppress minorities

What is a major criticism of pure democracy mentioned in Federalist 10?

It leads to mob rule and majority oppression of minorities

What is the main argument of Brutus No. 1?

Opposition to a strong central government and support for states' rights

What does Brutus No. 1 say about the power of government once it is given?

Once people empower a government, they cannot get that power back

What are the elastic and supremacy clauses criticized for in Brutus No. 1?

They will give the federal government unlimited power

What does Brutus No. 1 argue about the size of republics?

The few successful republics in history have been small

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

No national court system and no power to enforce laws

What power did Congress have under the Articles of Confederation?

Declare war and make treaties

What could states do under the Articles of Confederation?

Coin money and impose tariffs on goods from other states

What event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Shays' Rebellion

What was a key limitation of the legislative branch under the Articles of Confederation?

Each state had only one vote regardless of population size

What did Madison believe about the natural formation of factions?

It is natural for people to form factions, and they should not be eliminated as it would destroy liberty

How does Brutus No. 1 suggest representatives should be chosen?

From similar people with similar interests

What is the relationship between democracy and size according to Brutus No. 1?

Democracy can only succeed in a small area, like a city

What is the significance of the Necessary and Proper clause mentioned in Brutus No. 1?

It will greatly expand Congress's lawmaking powers

What was the primary concern regarding taxation in Brutus No. 1?

The power to tax will lead to a tyrannical federal government

What was the main cause of Shays' Rebellion?

The lack of a centralized military led to a slow response, highlighting weaknesses in the government.

What type of government is established by the U.S. Constitution?

A republican government, which is a representative form of government.

What is the longest section of the Constitution?

Article I, which discusses the legislative branch and the powers of Congress.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A two-house Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

How are senators represented in the Senate?

Each state is represented equally with two senators per state.

How are members of the House of Representatives apportioned?

They are apportioned based on the population of each state.

What are enumerated powers?

Specific powers granted to Congress, such as laying taxes and declaring war.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Also known as the elastic clause, it gives Congress the flexibility to pass laws needed to carry out enumerated powers.

What does Article II of the Constitution cover?

The executive branch, including the powers of the President and the Electoral College.

What is the role of the President as Commander in Chief?

The President is the commander of the military but cannot declare war.

What does Article III establish?

The judicial branch, including the Supreme Court and the power to create additional courts.

What is original jurisdiction?

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.

What is appellate jurisdiction?

The authority of a court to hear a case that has already been decided by a lower court.

What does Article IV address?

State relations and the federal government's relationship to the states.

What is the process for amending the Constitution according to Article V?

Amendments can be proposed by two-thirds of both houses of Congress or two-thirds of state legislatures, and ratified by three-fourths of the states.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

Federal laws take precedence over state laws.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual rights.

What is the main idea of Federalist 51?

The importance of separation of powers and checks and balances among government branches.

Why is government necessary according to Federalist 51?

Because people are not perfect, and government is needed to protect rights and limit power.

What is federalism?

The division of power between federal, state, and local governments.

What does Federalist 70 argue for?

A unitary executive, stating that a single president is more effective than a plural executive.

What are the advantages of a unitary executive?

More effective decision-making, accountability, and the ability to act quickly in crises.

What is the significance of life tenure for judges in Federalist 78?

It ensures an independent judiciary capable of exercising judicial review.

Why is the judiciary considered the least dangerous branch?

It lacks budget and war powers and must rely on others to enforce its decisions.

What is the judiciary's role in relation to the Constitution?

To strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution and protect individual rights.