1. Ideology

• Core Beliefs/Morals: Core beliefs or morals that guide an individual's views on politics and society.

• How It Changes: Socialization influences ideology through factors such as religion, personal experiences, and culture.

2. Party Identity

• Definition: The political party that aligns most closely with an individual’s moral and legal views.

• How It Changes: Party identity can shift based on the candidates that run for office and their platforms.

3. Ideologies of the Founding Fathers

• Natural Rights: Rights are inherent and not granted by the government; the government's role is to protect them.

• Popular Sovereignty: Government legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed, not divine right.

• Social Contract: People agree to limit some rights to live peacefully in society.

• Republicanism: Government should be representative, elected by the people.

4. Issues with Ideologies

• Social Contract: Balancing how many natural rights should be relinquished for social order.

• Popular Sovereignty: Risks of tyranny of the majority in a direct democracy.

• Republicanism: Ensuring representatives act in the public's interest and are not tyrannical.

5. Solutions

• Limited Government: A government with defined limits to protect rights without being tyrannical.

• Participatory Democracy: Broad participation in political processes, favoring popular sovereignty.

• Pluralist Democracy: Groups influence policy by aggregating interests and ideas.

• Elite Democracy: Limited public involvement, with elected elites making decisions.

6. Articles of Confederation

• Basic Functions: Maintain order, provide for trade, respond to emergencies, protect borders, and resolve disputes.

• Weaknesses: No power to tax, no military, no national court system, no role in interstate commerce, no ability to coin money.

• Structural Issues: State-appointed delegates, high voting thresholds, and unanimous consent for amendments.

• Shays' Rebellion: Highlighted the need for a stronger federal government.

7. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

• Federalists: Advocated for a stronger central government with checks and balances; supported the Constitution.

• Anti-Federalists: Feared centralization of power and loss of state autonomy; demanded more protections for individual rights.

8. Federalist and Anti-Federalist Views

• Brutus 1: Argued against a strong centralized government fearing loss of liberty.

• Fed 10: James Madison argued that a strong central government could better manage factions and prevent tyranny.

9. Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

• Three Branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches each with distinct powers and responsibilities.

• Purpose: Prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, ensuring a balanced government.

• Federalist 51: James Madison’s framework for checks and balances to safeguard against corruption and abuse of power.