Chapter 1 Flashcards
Democracy as system of interacting values.
Personal liberty Individualism Equality Opportunity and American Dream Popular Sovereignty
Use the concept of constitutional democracy to explain US government.
Balance between faith and skepticism. Power of people, but even people need to be restrained.
Thomas Jefferson
Democracy as system of interrelated political processes (5)
Free and fair elections Majority and plurality rule Freedom of expression Right to assemble and protest Justice and rule of law
In order to follow rule of law (laws applied justly), a government must follow five rules:
Generality Prospectivity Publicity Authority Due Process
Democracy as system of interdependent political structures: (5)
Educational conditions Economic conditions Social conditions Ideological conditions Stability
What three compromises were reached by delegates at constitutional convention?
- Connecticut (after Virginia and New Jersey plans)
- North-south (3/5 and 2/3 majority in senate required to ratify treaty an stop importing slaves in 20 years)
- Electoral college
What were arguments against the ratification of constitution?
“Aristocratic document”
Opposed strong central government, impose barriers to commerce, not enough rotation of office.
No bill of rights
Guarantee some right is dangerous because rights not listed could be denied.
Paper feeble against tyranny.
Basic outline of constitution
Article 1: bicameral congress
Article 2: executive powers to president
Article 3: judicial power to courts
Article 4: privileges to citizens and sets forth how to letting new states in
Article 5: methods for amending constitution
Article 6: supreme law of land
Article 7: ratified by 9 or 13 states
Be able to explain checks and balances.
Separation of powers, ambition to counter ambition
Explain judicial review
Marbury v. Madison: power when it concerns an ambassador, foreign minister, or state is a party. Ability to declare laws passed by congress unconstitutional.
How is the constitution changed?
Informal change (court decisions) Congressional elaboration Presidential practices Judicial interpretation Formal change
How is an amendment usually added?
2/3 approval in both houses of congress, approval by 3/4 of the states legislatures. National convention (2/3 state legislatures calling it) to ratifying conventions.
