🏛️ The United States Political System

What type of democracy does the U.S. have?

A representative democracy (republic), where citizens elect officials to represent them in government

What are the three branches of the U.S. government?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial

What does the legislative branch do?

Makes laws

What does the executive branch do?

Enforces laws

What does the judicial branch do?

Interprets laws

How can citizens participate in government?

By voting, running for office, and communicating concerns to elected officials

How often can citizens vote out representatives?

Every 2, 4, or 6 years

What was the Articles of Confederation?

The first system of government in the U.S., weak national government with most power given to states.

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

Gave too much power to states

Had no executive or judicial branch

Required a unanimous vote to amend.

What key event showed the weaknesses of the Articles?

Shays' Rebellion (1786-87), where farmers protested debt and taxation, showing the need for a stronger central government.

When was the Constitution written?

1787

What does the U.S. Constitution do?

• Justice (Jumping)

• Domestic Tranquility (Dogs)

• Defense (Defend)

• Promote General Welfare (People’s)

• Government Structure (Gardens)

What is federalism?

A system where power is divided between the national, state, and local governments.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

When was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?

1791.

Name three key rights in the Bill of Rights.

Freedom of speech, right to bear arms, freedom of religion.

What does the Fugitive Slave Clause state?

It required escaped slaves to be returned to their owners, even in free states.

Who led the Federalists?

Alexander Hamilton

What were the Federalists' key beliefs?

Strong national government, national bank, and support for trade and manufacturing.

Who led the Democratic-Republicans?

Thomas Jefferson

What were the Democratic-Republicans' key beliefs?

Small government, local control, and an agrarian economy (based on small farmers).

Why did the Federalists support ties with Great Britain?

For economic and trade benefits.

Why did the Democratic-Republicans support France?

Because of their shared revolutionary ideals and opposition to aristocracy.

What was the Great Compromise?

A two-house legislature: House of Representatives (based on population) and Senate (each state gets two senators).

What was the 3/5th Compromise?

It counted enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

How is the president elected?

Through the Electoral College, where 538 electors vote based on state results.

What precedent did George Washington set regarding presidential terms?

Serving only two terms.

What were key parts of Hamilton's financial plan?

Establishing national credit, creating a national bank, and imposing tariffs.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

A 1794 protest against Hamilton's whiskey tax, put down by Washington's federal troops.

The federal government's response to the Whiskey Rebellion showed that

it had the power and determination to enforce its laws.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Laws under John Adams that restricted immigration and made it illegal to criticize the government.

What political issue emerged from the 1796 election?

The president (John Adams) and vice president (Thomas Jefferson) were from opposing parties, leading to constitutional changes.

What party was formed to oppose Jackson's policies?

The Whig Party

Who were the members of the Whig Party?

Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, and Abraham Lincoln

What were the core beliefs of the Whig party?

Favored congressional power over executive power

Favored government support for urban modernization, railroad construction, and the banks

Era of Jacksonian democracy

Saw greater democracy for white males