Foundational documents-1st sem argument. essay

Question 1

What topics does the preamble of the declaration of independence discuss?

Answer 1

It explains why the colonies have chosen to separate from Britain and outlines the philosophical justification for independence, emphasizing natural rights and the social contract (consent of the governed quote)

Question 2

What are natural rights?

Answer 2

fundamental rights that every person is born with and cannot be taken away by any government or authority.

Question 3

what is the social contract?

Answer 3

people allow their government to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society, and have the right to overthrow a system that violates their natural rights.

Question 4

What is popoular sovereignty

Answer 4

the idea that the government’s right ot rule comes from the people.

Question 5

What are the sections of the declaration of independence?

Answer 5

preamble, list of grievances against the king, resolution for indepndence

Question 6

What does the grievances against the king warn against?

Answer 6

by outlining grievances against King George III, who is portrayed as an authoritarian ruler abusing his power.
- the dangers of a leader having too much executive power

Question 7

What does federalist 10 discuss?

Answer 7

Federalist No. 10, written by James Madison, argues for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by addressing the problem of factions—groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the community’s interests.

Question 9

How does having a representative government combat factions according to federalist 10?

Answer 9

The effects of factions can be limited by having many a republican/representative government. This Is because representatives help to tone down the passions of factions by forcing them to compromise in order to pass legilsation.
The cause of factions is liberty.

Question 10

what model of democracy does madison argue for in federalist 10

Answer 10

pluraklklist, because many factions compete for power

Question 11

How does the constitution combat factions?

Answer 11

1 Dividing power across many institutions so that the factions all have to compete.
2. Electing representatives to the large republic helps limit faction passion.
3. Overt protections in the bill of rights to stop the majority from dominating the minority.(freedom of speech, religion, petition, and assembly.)

Question 12

What does article 1 of the constitution discuss?

Answer 12

establishes the legislative branch of the federal government, outlining its structure, powers, and limitations.

Question 13

What rules does article 1 establish?

Answer 13

-the bill to law process
- fromal roles in congress (speaker pro tempore, speaker of the house, senate speaker)
-election procedure+term length
Each chamber makes its own rules
-impeachment process

Question 14

What are the expressed powers of congress?

Answer 14

Commerce
Taxing
Spending
Declaration of war

Question 15

What doe amendment 17 establish?

Answer 15

-the direct election of senators

Question 16

What does the 22nd amendment establish?

Answer 16

the 2 term limit

Question 17

What does article 2 of the constitution discuss?

Answer 17

Article II of the U.S. Constitution establishes the executive branch, detailing the powers, responsibilities, and limitations of the President and Vice President

Question 18

What provisions are laid out in article 2 of the constitution?

Answer 18

presidential succession and disability
Creates the president and vice presidential offices
“Executive power vesting clause”–> creates executive power, which can be tied to executive orders, privilege, and agreement (these are informal!!)
Creates the Electoral College
-state of the union address

Question 19

What are the terms of of presidential succession and disability

Answer 19

Allows vice president to serve as acting president if president is disabled
Disability of president is decided by vice president & majority of cabinet, and, if necessary, two-thirds vote of Congress
The new vice president must be confirmed by a majority vote of both houses

Question 20

What does federalist 70 discuss?

Answer 20

Federalist 70, written by alexander hamilton, advocates for the need of a single, powerful executive because it fosters efficiency in a government where congress is burdened by compromise.
-the power of the executive would be diluted amongst multiple executives, and the influence of factions could lead to divisions of government if there were multiple.
-a unitary executive is also beneficial because they are easier to hold accountable for their actions.

Question 21

What E’s of government does federalist 70 relate to?

Answer 21

-efficiency and elitism. Efficiency because having a single, “energetic” executive makes the government more efficient, nad elitism because the power of the executive branch is concentrated into one individual.