U.S. Government and Constitution Concepts

Articles of Confederation

  • The first governing document of the United States, which established a weak federal government.
  • Lacked the power to tax, regulate commerce, and enforce laws.

U.S. Constitution

  • The supreme law of the land that outlines the framework for the government.
  • Ratified in 1788, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

Preamble

  • Introduction to the Constitution that states its purpose.
  • Begins with "We the People" to emphasize popular sovereignty.

Articles of the Constitution

  • Divided into seven articles that describe the structure of government.
  • Article I: Legislative branch (makes the law)
  • Article II: Executive branch (enforces the law)
  • Article III: Judicial branch (interprets the law)

Separation of Powers

  • Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent abuse of power.

Checks and Balances

  • System that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful.
    • Example: Presidential veto, Congressional override.

Federalism

  • A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units.
  • Examples include state and federal governments.

Limited Government

  • The government's powers are restricted by law, usually through a constitution.

Popular Sovereignty

  • The principle that the authority of government derives from the people.

Rule of Law

  • The principle that all individuals and institutions are accountable to the law.

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist

  • Federalists: Supported a strong central government; key figures include Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.
  • Anti-Federalists: Favored stronger state governments; key figures include Patrick Henry and George Mason.

Amendment Ratification Process

  • Amendments can be proposed by 2/3 of both Houses or by a constitutional convention called by 2/3 of state legislatures.
  • Ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures or conventions.

Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10)

  • First ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

Due Process

  • Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.
  • 14th Amendment ensures due process at the state level.

Reconstruction Amendments

  • 13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
  • 14th Amendment: Granted citizenship and equal protection under the law.
  • 15th Amendment: Prohibited denying the right to vote based on race.

Prohibition Amendments

  • 18th Amendment: Established prohibition of alcohol.
  • 21st Amendment: Repealed the 18th Amendment.

Presidential Amendments

  • 12th Amendment: Established procedures for electing the President and Vice President.
  • 20th Amendment: Changed the dates for starting and ending terms.
  • 22nd Amendment: Limited the President to two terms.
  • 25th Amendment: Addresses presidential succession and disability.

Suffrage/Voting Amendments

  • 15th Amendment: Right to vote cannot be denied based on race.
  • 19th Amendment: Granted women the right to vote.
  • 23rd Amendment: Allowed residents of Washington D.C. to vote.
  • 24th Amendment: Prohibits poll taxes in federal elections.
  • 26th Amendment: Lowered voting age to 18 years.

Progressive Amendments

  • 16th Amendment: Established federal income tax.
  • 17th Amendment: Allowed direct election of Senators.
  • 18th Amendment: Prohibition.
  • 19th Amendment: Women’s suffrage.

Legislative Branch (Article I)

  • Bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • House of Representatives: Members serve 2-year terms; must be at least 25 years old.
  • Senate: Members serve 6-year terms; must be at least 30 years old.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
  1. Proposed in either House.
  2. Reviewed by committees.
  3. Debated and voted on.
  4. If passed in both Houses, sent to the President for approval or veto.

Powers of Congress

  • Enumerated Powers: Specifically listed in the Constitution.
    • Example: The power to tax and spend.
  • Implied Powers: Not explicitly stated but necessary to carry out enumerated powers.
  • Concurrent Powers: Shared by both federal and state governments.
Reserved Powers
  • Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.
Gerrymandering
  • Manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.
Gridlock
  • When branches of government fail to reach agreement, resulting in inaction.

Fiscal Policy

  • Government's use of spending and taxation to influence the economy.
    • Expansionary Policy: Increased spending or tax cuts to stimulate the economy.
    • Contractionary Policy: Decreased spending or tax increases to slow economic growth.
Government Revenue
  • Includes taxes, fees, and other sources of income for government operations.
Government Deficit
  • Occurs when expenses exceed revenues.

Monetary Policy

  • Central bank's (Federal Reserve) management of money supply to control inflation and unemployment.

Article II (Executive Branch)

  • Responsible for enforcing and executing laws.
  • President: Head of state and government; must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old.
  • Vice President: Succession plan; presides over Senate.
Presidential Elections
  • Primary Elections: Preliminary elections to select party nominees.
  • General Election: Final election for the President.
  • Electoral College: System used to elect the President.
Presidential Powers
  • Power to veto legislation, appoint federal judges, command the military, and conduct foreign policy.

Article III (Judicial Branch)

  • Interprets the law through the court system.
  • Established Supreme Court and other federal courts.

Supreme Court

  • Composed of nine Justices, including a Chief Justice.
  • Justices are appointed for life.
Judicial Review
  • The power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions.
Precedent
  • Legal decisions that guide future cases (stare decisis).
Federal Court System
  • Three-tiered structure: District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and Supreme Court.

Political Spectrum

  • Range of political beliefs from liberal (progressive) to conservative.

Interest/Advocacy Groups & Lobbying

  • Organizations that influence public policy and decision-making through advocacy, funding, and lobbying efforts.

Credibility of Source Material

  • Importance of evaluating the validity and bias in information sources.

Compromise, Negotiation, and Consensus

  • Strategies for resolving disagreements and fostering cooperation in politics and government.