Gov_Study

The Basics of Politics & Government

• Politics: Process of making decisions impacting society; similar to "The Room Where It Happens".

  • Those in power (e.g., lawmakers) decide laws and policies.

• Laws: Rules established by a legislative body (like Congress).

  • Example: Hamilton history with law-making for the new nation.

• Democracy: Power held by the people in government.

  • Direct Democracy: People vote on laws themselves.

  • Representative Democracy: Elected officials vote on laws for the people.

• Republic: The U.S. is a republic where representatives are elected instead of direct voting.

• Republicanism: Concept that government should have elected officials rather than a monarchy.

Foundations of American Government

• John Locke: Advocated for natural rights: life, liberty, property.

  • Influenced the Declaration of Independence.

• Social Contract: Agreement among people to form governments to protect rights.

• Liberalism: Belief in individual rights, democracy, and limited government.

  • Liberal Democracy: System where elections and rights are safeguarded.

• Decline of Democracy: Weakening of democratic institutions often due to corruption.

The American Revolution & Constitution

• Stamp Act: British tax on printed materials provoked colonists; led to the cry of "No taxation without representation!"

• Continental Congresses: Gatherings of leaders to organize the Revolution.

• Articles of Confederation: First U.S. government; demonstrated weaknesses by giving too much power to states.

• Virginia & New Jersey Plans: Debates focused on representation in Congress based on state size.

• Separation of Powers: Division of government into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to limit tyranny.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

• Federalists: Advocated for a strong central government and the Constitution.

  • Notable works: The Federalist Papers.

• Anti-Federalists: Opposed the Constitution due to fears of excessive federal authority.

• Federalist Papers: Essays supporting the Constitution, chiefly by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

• Bill of Rights: First 10 amendments safeguarding personal freedoms.

Major Supreme Court Cases

• Barron v. Baltimore: Established that the Bill of Rights applied only to the federal government.

• McDonald v. Chicago: Overturned Barron, holding that the Bill of Rights applies to states through the 14th Amendment.

• Schenck v. U.S.: Limited free speech deemed a "clear and present danger".

• Brandenburg v. Ohio: Speech can only be restricted if it incites imminent illegal acts.

• McCulloch v. Maryland: Affirmed federal power, allowing for implied powers not specifically enumerated.

• United States v. Lopez: Set limits on Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause.

Federalism: Balancing State & Federal Power

• Federalism: Power division between state and federal governments.

  • Types of Federalism:

    • Dual Federalism: Separate powers for states and federal government.

    • Cooperative Federalism: Collaboration between state and federal levels.

    • Coercive Federalism: Federal enforcement of states complying with laws.

• Judicial Review: Courts’ ability to invalidate unconstitutional laws.

• Commerce Clause: Grants Congress regulation over inter-state trade.

• Necessary and Proper Clause: Empowers Congress to enact laws essential for executing its specified powers.

• Unfunded Mandates: Federal directives requiring state actions without financial support.

• Grants & Revenue Sharing: Federal funding to states, occasionally with conditions.

Civil Rights & Liberties

• Reconstruction Amendments:

  • 13th: Abolished slavery.

  • 14th: Established citizenship and equal protection.

  • 15th: Ensured voting rights regardless of race.

• Selective Incorporation: Gradual application of Bill of Rights to states via Supreme Court decisions.

• Establishment Clause: Prohibits government from favoring a religion.

• Free Exercise Clause: Allows individuals to practice their religion freely.

• Fundamental Freedoms Doctrine: Protects certain rights more rigorously.

Government Spending & Power Moves

• New Deal (FDR): Increased federal role in economic matters during the Great Depression.

• Pork Barrel Projects: Politicians fund local projects to gain political favor.

Political Philosophy & Theories

• John Stuart Mill: Promoted the importance of free speech and debate.

• Dual Sovereignty: Both levels of government can charge someone for the same crime.

Final Thoughts on Key Figures and Events

• Hamilton (Federalist): Advocated for strong central governance.

• Jefferson (Anti-Federalist): Supported state power over federal.

• Washington: Promoted unity among states; warned against political factions.

• Burr: Seen as an opportunist, shifting allegiances for personal advancement.

• Revolutionary War: Sparked the emergence of American democracy.

• Constitution: Acts as the foundational framework for the U.S. government.

Week-by-week Notes Recap

1. Politics & Democracy: Basics of decision-making and representation.

2. America’s Founding & Constitution: Key events leading to the establishment of the U.S. government.

3. Civil Liberties & Bill of Rights: Protection of individual rights against government actions.

4. Civil Rights Movement: Continual progress towards equality and justice.

5. Federalism: Ongoing balance between state and federal authority.