State Test Review--5 basic principles, feds vs. antifeds, monetary & fiscal policy, rights/responsibility of citizens

Popular sovereignty

One of the 5 Principles of American Government. Government gets its power from the people.

Limited government

One of the 5 Principles of American Government. Government does not have unlimited power and must obey the Constitution and the rule of law.

Federalism

One of the 5 Principles of American Government. A system in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments.

Separation of powers

One of the 5 Principles of American Government. Government powers are divided among different branches.

Checks and balances

One of the 5 Principles of American Government. Each branch has ways to limit the power of the other branches.

Federalists

Supported ratification of the Constitution and wanted a stronger national government. They thought checks and balances was enough to prevent tyranny by itself.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed ratification of the Constitution as written and wanted stronger state governments and protections for individual rights. Wouldn’t support the new constitution without the bill of rights.

Why did Anti-Federalists want a Bill of Rights?

They feared the national government would become too powerful and wanted specific protections for citizens' freedoms.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists wanted a stronger national government; Anti-Federalists wanted more power kept by the states and more protection for individual rights.

Similarities between the Ohio and U.S. Constitutions

Both have separation of powers, checks and balances, limited government, a bill of rights, popular sovereignty, and elections.

Ohio Constitution vs. U.S. Constitution differences

Ohio allows more direct democracy than the U.S. Constitution—people can vote directly on laws through referendums and initiatives, they can vote on executive officials, and the Ohio Constitution is easier to amend/change. The state constitution also limits debt.

Initiative and referendum in Ohio

Citizens can directly vote on laws or proposed laws.

How are judges chosen in Ohio?

Judges are elected in Ohio. In contrast, Federal judges (all US) are appointed.

Why was the Ohio Constitution changed in 1851?

It was changed to fix problems in how the state was being governed. Problems includes:
Out of control debt—added debt limit

Corrupt, powerful legislators—Added term limits, gave governor veto, direct elections for judges and officials, and gave referendum/ballot initiative to citizens

Supreme court had too many cases—added district courts.

Ohio's 1851 Constitution change to executive

Major executive officials and all judges were to be elected. Veto added

Ohio's 1851 Constitution changed to judiciary.

District courts were added and judges directly elected by people.

Ohio's 1851 Constitution fix for money problems

Debt limitations were put in place.

Fiscal policy

Government decisions about taxing and spending to influence the economy.

Who uses fiscal policy?

The president and congress through policy decisions.

How can fiscal policy speed up the economy?

By increasing government spending and/or reducing taxes.

How can fiscal policy slow down the economy?

By decreasing government spending and/or increasing taxes.

Fast way to remember fiscal policy

Fiscal policy = taxes and spending.

Monetary policy

Decisions about the money supply and interest rates to influence the economy.

Who controls monetary policy?

The Federal Reserve System.

How can monetary policy speed up the economy?

By lowering reserve requirements, buying bonds (putting money in people’s pockets, taking bonds out), and helping LOWER INTEREST RATES

How can monetary policy slow down the economy?

By raising reserve requirements, selling bonds (taking money out of pockets and putting bonds in), and helping RAISE INTEREST RATES.

Fast way to remember monetary policy

Monetary policy = money supply and interest rates.

Rights

Protections people have from too much government interference.

Responsibilities

Duties citizens have as members of society and government.

Examples of a Responsibilities

Obeying the law, paying taxes, respecting rights of others, informed voting

What responsibility goes with voting?

Registering, staying informed, and participating.

Are rights unlimited?

No. Individual rights must be balanced with the rights of others and the common good.

What are ways citizens can get involved in government?

Voting, community service, public service, or helping solve problems in their community.