Braches of US Govt and how they can check each other

1. Foundations of American Government

• Key Concepts:
  • Natural Rights: Rights inherent to human beings, not dependent on governments.
  • Social Contract: An agreement among individuals to form a government that will protect their rights.
  • Popular Sovereignty: The principle that authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

2. The Constitution

• The Articles of Confederation:

  • First governing document of the U.S.
  • Established a weak national government with no executive or judicial branches.
  • Issues: Inability to tax, regulate commerce, and maintain order led to its replacement.

• The Constitutional Convention:

  • Aimed to address issues of the Articles of Confederation.
  • Resulted in the creation of a stronger federal government.
  • Key compromises:
  • The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise): Established a bicameral legislature.
  • Three-Fifths Compromise: Counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

• Constitutional Principles:

  • Separation of Powers: Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.
  • Checks and Balances: System where each branch can monitor and limit the functions of the other branches.
  • Federalism: Division of power between national and state governments.

3. Amendments and the Bill of Rights

• Bill of Rights:

  • First ten amendments to the Constitution.
  • Guarantees individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process.

• Amendment Process:

  • Proposal by 2/3 of both houses of Congress or a national convention called by 2/3 of state legislatures.
  • Ratification by 3/4 of state legislatures or state conventions.

4. Federalism

• Types of Federalism:

  • Dual Federalism: State and national governments operate independently.
  • Cooperative Federalism: Collaboration between state and national governments.

• Key Supreme Court Cases:

  • McCulloch v. Maryland: Established the supremacy of the federal government over state governments.
  • US v. Lopez: Limited Congress's power under the Commerce Clause.

5. Political Ideologies and Behaviors

• Political Socialization:

  • Process by which individuals acquire political beliefs and values. Influenced by family, media, education, and environment.

• Diverse Political Attitudes:

  • Liberalism: Advocates for civil rights, social justice, and a more active role of the government in the economy.
  • Conservatism: Emphasizes limited government, free market, and traditional social values.
  • Socialism: Advocates for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production.

6. Participation and Engagement

• Voting Behavior:

  • Factors influencing voter turnout include age, race, education, and socioeconomic status.

• Political Parties and Interest Groups:

  • Major political parties: Democrats and Republicans.
  • Role of interest groups in influencing policy and elections through lobbying and advocacy.

Tips for Studying:

• Use flashcards to memorize key terms and amendments.
• Create timelines for significant events leading to the Constitution.
• Practice essay questions on civil rights and federalism.