PSC Exam 1

george washingmashine

Who interprets constitutional meaning?

Courts interpret constitutional meaning.

What are the three functions of a constitution?

Empower, Retain, Structure Relationships.

What does empowerment in a constitution refer to?

Authorizing political action such as taxes or privacy.

What does retention in a constitution aim to achieve?

Limiting governmental action.

What system does a constitution tend to produce?

A two-party system from a single member district.

What are the five levels of constitutional deliberation?

Revolution, Creation, Construction, Interpretation, Policymaking.

What is an example of the Revolution level of constitutional deliberation?

The establishment of the U.S. Constitution.

What is an example of the Creation level of constitutional deliberation?

The Bill of Rights.

What does construction level refer to in constitutional deliberation?

Political dialogue about principles.

Which case exemplifies the Interpretation level of constitutional deliberation?

Marbury v. Madison.

What does the term Lockean liberalism signify?

The belief that man is created free and equal by God, with rights to life, liberty, and property.

What is the role of government according to Lockean liberal thought?

To secure the rights of individuals, allowing them to live out their rights.

What is the right to revolution in Lockean liberalism?

The right of the people to abolish a tyrannical government.

What ideology opposes the divine right of kings?

Lockean (classical) liberalism.

What is Classical republicanism concerned with?

Liberty based on virtue and balance.

What led to tyranny in Classical republican thought?

The corruption of virtue in leaders and citizens.

How does Christianity connect with natural law in the context of government?

The New Testament includes references connecting God to natural law.

What financial issues arose after the French and Indian War?

Raised taxes such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act.

What did the phrase 'Taxation without representation' refer to?

Colonial resistance to taxes imposed without elected representatives.

What was a consequence of military courts for tax evaders?

Denial of the right to a jury trial.

What does the Declaration of Independence represent?

Aspirational and non-judiciable principles.

What is a primary theme of Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration?

Moral justification for declaring independence.

What phrase encapsulates the idea of natural law in the Declaration?

'The Laws of Nature and Nature’s God'.

How does paragraph #2 of the Declaration argue for independence?

By stating the right to declare independence based on government’s failure to secure rights.

What does the phrase 'Consent of the Governed' mean?

Government derives its power from the approval of the people.

What evidence does Jefferson provide in the Declaration for accusing the King?

A long list of abuses demonstrating tyranny.

What was the significance of the phrase 'absolute Despotism' in the Declaration?

It illustrates the extreme nature of the King's rule.

Why was one of Jefferson's arguments about slavery excluded from the final Declaration?

It would have been unacceptable to the Southern colonies.

What characterized the Articles of Confederation?

A weak central government and strong state sovereignty.

What was a solution to colonial grievances against King?

Strong state legislatures with weak executives.

What sparked Shay’s Rebellion?

Debtors' protest against creditor policies.

What dilemma faced the Articles of Confederation?

Lack of power to tax effectively.

What was one significant success of the Articles of Confederation?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

What prevents the Articles from collecting debts?

It had no power to levy taxes.

What sparked concern for the new nation’s stability in the 1780s?

Shay’s Rebellion.

What defines the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

The proposal for a strong federal government.

What was the Connecticut Compromise?

It established a bicameral legislature.

What does Federalist 39 argue about the Constitution?

It is a mix of both federal and national systems.

What principle does the separation of powers protect?

Liberty, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Why was a Council of Revision proposed during the Constitutional Convention?

To provide checks on legislative power.

What does Federalist 51 emphasize?

The necessity of separation of powers.

What dual system does Federalism create?

Divides power vertically between national and state governments.

What dual system does separation of powers create?

Divides power horizontally among branches of government.

What is a key argument for direct elections of representatives?

Legitimacy of government through public representation.

What is an argument against the direct election of representatives?

People might be easily fooled.

What did the Articles of Confederation lack?

An effective executive branch.

What theme pertains to the council of revision debate?

The danger of concentrated legislative power.

What argument does Madison use in Federalist 39 about republicanism?

It derives from the people and reflects their interests.

How does Madison define a republic?

A government deriving power from the people, administered by elected officials.

How does the Articles of Confederation treat state governance?

It emphasizes state sovereignty over federal authority.

What was a major failing of the Articles regarding finance?

Inability to impose national taxes.

What event underscored the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Philadelphia Mutiny of 1783.

What did Shay’s Rebellion primarily involve?

Debtors rebelling against financial oppression.

What perspective does the Trustee view of representation advocate?

Independence of thought and broad public good.

Which type of representation is oriented around local interests?

Delegate view.

What key compromise addressed the issue of representation?

The Connecticut Compromise.

What does 'double security' refer to in Federalist 51?

The combined effects of federalism and separation of powers.

Which foundational document was a response to the issues of the Articles of Confederation?

The U.S. Constitution.

What was the outcome of the Annapolis Convention?

Recognition that more comprehensive changes were necessary.

Who presided over the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington.

What does the amending process of the Constitution involve?

A combination of federal and national approval.

What did the Articles of Confederation establish in terms of legislative structure?

A unicameral legislature.

What was the design aspect of the Articles of Confederation regarding interstate relations?

Retained state sovereignty.

What does Madison argue is essential in preventing tyranny of the majority?

A balance through separation of powers.

What major conflict led to the realization of the need for a stronger central government?

Shay’s Rebellion.

What underlying principle guided the framework of the U.S. Constitution?

To create a government that guards against tyranny.

What strategic element played a crucial role during the Constitutional Convention?

Secrecy of proceedings.

In Federalist 51, what must be ensured to prevent tyranny?

Independence of branches and protection of liberty.

What historical context influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution?

The political dysfunction and issues under the Articles.

What did Shay’s Rebellion reveal about state politics?

The struggle between creditors and debtors.

How does the Constitution reflect a compromise between different interest groups?

Through the Connecticut Compromise and bicameral legislature.

What does the Amendment Process of the Constitution exemplify?

The federal and national balance of power.

What did the Virginia Plan propose at the Constitutional Convention?

A strong central government with proportional representation.

Aside from structure, what is another critical aspect of a constitution?

Empowerment of government action.

What did the debates around the council of revision illustrate?

Concerns over legislative dominance.

What fundamental government principle is described in the Ninth Amendment?

The enumeration of certain rights does not deny others retained by the people.

What form of government seeks legitimacy from a national perspective rather than from states?

A national system.