Unit 1; Principles, Articles, and Federalist Papers

Federalist #10 (James Madison)

addresses the problem of factions (groups of citizens united by a common interest that is detrimental to the rights of others or the public good) in a republic and argues that a large, representative government can best control their negative effects, and proposes that a large republic, with its multitude of factions, can mitigate the dangers of any single faction gaining too much power, as they would be forced to negotiate and compromise. This system, according to Madison, would lead to more stable and just governance

Federalist #39 (James Madison)

clarifies the nature of the proposed U.S. government under the Constitution, explaining it as a blend of national and federal characteristics. It addresses concerns about whether the new government would be too powerful or too weak by demonstrating its structure is both a union of states and a government over the people.

Federalist #51 (James Madison)

explains and defends the system of checks and balances within the U.S. Constitution. It argues that dividing governmental power among different branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) and further subdividing the legislative branch (into the House and Senate) is crucial to preventing tyranny and protecting individual liberties

Limited Government

Limits the government form being an absolute power and placing limits on national and regional governments. Prohibiting it from making certain moves.

Republicanism

people have the choice on what reps they want to rule on their behalf (like popular sovereignty)

Separation of Powers

Constitution limits the national governments power which prevents it from being too powerful and each branch has different roles.

Checks and Balances

Each branch has a method to limit 2 branches. President can veto, veto can be overridden by congress w 2/3rds vote.

Popular Sovereignty

Basis of the DOI

Government is based on the people and can only receive power with consent of the people.

Individual rights

BOR, set individual rights that the gov cannot take away.

Federalism

Structure of the government

• FD GOV: Federal/National and state gov

• ST GOV: State and Local gov

Preamble

Intro to the constitution, explains the purpose of the constitution and the government

Articles

Each article covers topics on how the gov is structured or talks about federalism or separation of powers

Article 1

Legislative Branch:

• 2 houses of congress and gives rules on how laws should be made

• also outlines requirements for service in congress

Article 2

Executive Branch:

• Sets the power and jobs of the president to carry out law made in congress

• outlines requirements for service as president

Article 3

Judicial Branch:

• outlines the authority of the supreme court

Article 4

Relationships among the states and the national gov

Article 5

Amendment Process:

How the constitution can be changed

Article 6

National Supremacy:

• ALL treaties and ALL laws passed by congress are the “Supreme Law of the Land”

Article 7

Ratification of the constitution:

Explains the process for ratification of the constitution

Federal system

Powers are equally divided/equally shared

Presidential system

Voting for members of the legislative and executive branch

Parliamentary system

• Voting for the members of legislature

• Executive is then chosen by those elected in leg.

Expressed powers

Powers that are stated in the constitution that are to be held by the national government

• Power to raise taxes, coin money, declare war, regulate commerce between states

Implied powers

Powers not stated specifically in the constitution but are INFERRED from those expressed powers

• Nothing is stated about creating nuclear weapons but has been implied by the national gov under protecting the country

Reserved Power

Discussed in the 10th amendment, powers reserved for state government (regulating business within states and establishing local school systems)

Concurrent Powers

Shared by the national and the state governments

• Power to tax, maintain court systems, and take private property for public use