Edwards Chapter 2 Notes Flashcards
Natural Rights
(Rights you’re born with not given by the government including life, liberty, and property)
“By the consent of the governed”
The Power of the government is derived from the people they elected
According to John Lock, What was the main purpose of government
To Protect People’s natural rights
The people had a right to revolt against the government according to John Lock if they violated…
There end of the social contract
What is the purpose of the declaration of independence
To list the abuses that the king did, give justification for succession, and a plea for foreign help
Articles of Confederation was adopted…
1777, implemented 1781
The Articles of confederation was described as having a ….
Weak central gov that was ineffective
2 missing branches from the Article of confederation compared to the U.S constitution
Executive and Judicial
Why could congress not effectively protect itself from domestic and international threats
States were supposed to give money for a national defense fund but in most cases did not
Farmer Rebellion tied to Articles of confederation’s failure
Shay’s rebellion
Reasons for Shay’s rebellion
Shays’ Rebellion occurred because of deep economic disparities and systemic injustices facing farmers in post-revolutionary Massachusetts, including crushing debt and tax burdens that the local governance failed to address adequately. Many of these farmers were also veterans of the Revolutionary War, feeling neglected and desperate as they faced the confiscation of their lands and imprisonment due to their inability to repay debts in a fragile post-war economy.
Date of the constitutional convention
May, 1787
Which state did not send a delegate to the convetion
Rhode Island
Describe delegates to the convention
55 (Rich, educated) men
The Framers agreed on 4 core principal of the new constitution
1) Stronger Central Gov
2) Check on Factions
3) Purpose of Gov was to protect rights (Including Property)
4) Installing Checks and Balances
Divided Government
A divided government occurs when different political parties control different branches of government, leading to potential stalemates and gridlocks during policy and decision-making processes. It fosters checks and balances but can impede swift governance.
Mandate
Authority granted to a government or individual to govern, often derived from electoral support.
President’s Adminstration
The team and agencies led by the president to govern and implement policies; it includes various advisors, cabinet members, and other officials.
Reform
Changes made to improve a system or institution, often through amendments or legislation.
parties
Groups organized around shared political objectives and ideologies, seeking to influence or control government policy.
bill
A proposed law presented for debate and approval in a legislative body.
congressional oversight
The process by which U.S. Congress monitors and reviews the actions of the executive branch and other federal agencies to ensure adherence to law and effective operation
bureaucratic agency
A government body responsible for implementing specific actions or policies, often characterized by a hierarchical structure and clearly defined roles and procedures
policy
A plan or course of action adopted by a government, organization, or individual to achieve specific outcomes or handle certain issues
U.S House Ways and Means Committee
A committee in the U.S. House of Representatives responsible for writing tax legislation and overseeing public revenue, social security, and other fiscal policies
Committee Chairman
The elected leader of a committee, responsible for directing its functions, setting its agenda, and overseeing its meetings and hearings
pigeonhole
In legislative terms, to set aside a bill or ignore it, effectively halting its progress through the legislative process. Often used by committee chairs or other leaders to control the agenda
earmarks
Provisions added to legislation to direct funds to specific projects, often in the legislative sponsor’s home district, potentially facilitating the passage of the bill by gaining support from other lawmakers
pork
Informal term for government spending on local projects secured primarily to bring money to a representative’s district, often seen as a way to gain favor with constituents but criticized for encouraging wasteful spending. It is essentially the allocation of funds to projects that serve a limited special interest
constituents
The people represented by a politician or elected official, typically the residents of the official’s electoral district or jurisdiction.
gerrymandered district
A voting district that has been manipulated, changing its boundaries to favor one political party or group, often leading to distorted and uncompetitive elections
fillibuster
A tactic used in legislative bodies, notably the U.S. Senate, where a member can delay or block legislative action by speaking for extended periods or using other procedural tactics, unless a supermajority votes to end the discussion
House of Representatives
One of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress, consisting of representatives elected by the people, with the number of representatives per state being proportional to its population. Responsible for creating and passing federal laws, among other duties
Senate
One of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress, comprised of 100 senators, with each state represented by two senators regardless of its population. The Senate has the exclusive power to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties, among other duties
Democratic Party Leadership
The group of elected officials who lead the Democratic Party in various governmental bodies, setting the legislative agenda and strategy for the party. The leadership includes positions such as the party chair, and leaders in the House and Senate
cloture
A procedure used in legislative bodies to end debate on a proposed measure and bring it to a vote, effectively overcoming a filibuster. In the U.S. Senate, a three-fifths majority is required to invoke cloture
