Introduction Flashcards
Did the Declaration of Independence justify a revolution?
Key Text: “We hold these truths to be self‑evident… all men are created equal…”
Focus:
Identify inalienable rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness)
Understand that government derives its power from the consent of the governed
Recognize that if a government destroys these rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
Locke’s Influence and Founding Documents
John Locke’s Key Ideas:
Natural rights exist independent of government
Government must protect these rights and operate with the consent of the governed
Connection:
Locke’s philosophy influenced Jefferson’s words in the Declaration
These ideas justify revolution when a government fails to secure those rights.
The Articles of Confederation
Purpose: First step toward self-governance by uniting the 13 states
Features:
Unicameral Congress with one vote per state
No national executive or judicial system
Weaknesses:
Inability to tax or regulate interstate commerce
Laws required approval from 9 of 13 states
Lack of enforcement mechanisms leading to conflicts (e.g., boundary disputes, economic depression)
Shay’s Rebellion & the Call for Change
Shay’s Rebellion:
Led by Daniel Shay; sparked by economic hardship and debt
Highlighted the inability of the Articles to address internal disorder
Outcome:
Demonstrated the need for a stronger central government
Helped spur the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of a new Constitution
Transition to a New Government
Post-Revolution Governance:
After independence, each state created its own written constitution
The Articles of Confederation represented a “league of friendship” rather than a strong national government
Key Point:
The failures of the Articles led to debates and the eventual creation of the U.S. Constitution
Class Discussion & Expectations
Distinguish between discussion (open, respectful) and blather
Encourage every voice; listen generously
Weigh alternative viewpoints logically and support claims with evidence
Expectations:
All students contribute and back up claims with reasoning
Open discussions widen understanding and generate more alternatives
Democracy & Types of Democracies
Key Question: What is a democracy?
Definitions:
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives who make decisions
Features: Free elections, one person-one vote, secret ballot, checks and balances
Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on policies (now possible via technology)
Critical Reflection:
Brainstorm features essential to a working democracy
Consider why democracies might fail (e.g., factionalism, majority tyranny, public ignorance)
Modern Political Socialization & the Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance Discussion:
Does reciting the pledge help socialize children politically?
Debate the impact of phrases like “Under God”
Broader Reflection:
How do patriotic rituals shape citizens’ sense of belonging and responsibility in a democracy?
Applying Foundational Concepts to Current Issues
Contemporary Relevance:
Connect historical ideas (natural rights, consent of the governed) to modern debates (gun violence, racism, border control)
Prompt for Reflection:
What should be the proper role of government in today’s complex issues?
How do foundational ideas influence public policy in a modern context?
Constitutional Core Principles
Madison’s Insight (Federalist No. 51):
“Government is… the greatest reflection on human nature. If men were angels, no government would be necessary… But men govern men. So, security measures are necessary.”
Six Core Principles:
Popular Sovereignty: Government’s authority comes from the people.
Federalism: Power is shared between national and state/local governments.
Separation of Powers: Division of government into three branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial).
Checks and Balances: Each branch can restrain the others (e.g., presidential veto, Senate confirmations).
Judicial Review: Courts can declare laws unconstitutional.
Limited Government: Government power is restricted by the Constitution.
Detailed Look at Popular Sovereignty & Federalism
Popular Sovereignty:
Means “rule by the people” (voting, assembling).
Foundational phrase: “We the People.”
Federalism:
Power is divided between national and state governments.
Examples: Traffic laws, immigration policies, gun laws, taxation.
Debate Example: Who should help disaster victims—national or state government?
Limited Government, Separation of Powers, and Checks & Balances
Limited Government:
Government can only act within the powers granted by the Constitution.
Example: The government cannot restrict free speech (1st Amendment).
Separation of Powers:
Divides duties among three branches:
Legislative (Article I): Makes laws.
Executive (Article II): Enforces laws.
Judicial (Article III): Interprets laws.
Checks and Balances:
Each branch can check the others (e.g., presidential veto, judicial review, Senate confirmation)
Judicial Review
Definition:
The power of courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional.
Key Example:
Established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Significance:
Ensures that no branch exceeds its constitutional authority.
Theories of American Democracy
Participatory Theory:
Emphasizes direct citizen involvement in political decisions.
Pluralist Theory:
Interests form groups (e.g., AARP, ACLU) to influence policy; power is decentralized.
Elite and Class Theory:
A small, wealthy elite wields most political power.
Hyperpluralist Theory:
Excessive competition among interest groups leads to gridlock and inefficiency.
Basic Functions of Government & Political Participation
Government Functions:
Maintain national defense, provide public goods, ensure order, offer economic services, and socialize citizens.
Politics:
The process of selecting leaders and creating policies (“Who gets what, when, and how?”)
Federalism in Practice:
Division of powers among local, state, and national levels; overlapping responsibilities.
Public Policy Institutions:
The legislative process, executive actions, and judicial decisions all shape public policy.
Participation:
Voting, civic engagement, and debate are crucial for a functioning democracy.
Reciting the Preamble & Civic Engagement
Daily Recitation: Reinforces national ideals and reminds us of our collective promise for a more perfect union.
Key Phrase: “We the People…” emphasizes that all governmental authority comes from the citizens.
Civic Impact:
Helps instill respect for constitutional principles.
Encourages active participation in democracy
Core Constitutional Principles – Overview
The Constitution sets the rules that govern the U.S. government through six core principles:
Popular Sovereignty: Political power comes from the people.
Federalism: Power is divided and shared between the national and state governments.
Separation of Powers: Distinct powers are allocated among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Checks and Balances: Each branch can limit the power of the others (e.g., presidential veto, Senate confirmations).
Judicial Review: Courts have the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
Limited Government: The government’s powers are restricted by the Constitution.
Popular Sovereignty
Definition: Division of government into three branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) with distinct duties.
Purpose:
Prevents concentration of power and protects freedom.
Ensures balanced, deliberative lawmaking (e.g., bicameral legislature in Congress).
Participatory Theory
Emphasizes direct citizen involvement and decision-making.
Pluralist Theory
Citizens organize into groups to influence policy; no single group dominates
Elite and Class Theory
Political power is concentrated among a small, wealthy elite
Hyperpluralist Theory
Excessive competition among interest groups leads to government gridlock
Powers Granted to the National Government
Expressed (Enumerated) Powers:
Directly stated in the Constitution (e.g., levy taxes, coin money, declare war).
Implied Powers:
Not explicitly stated but necessary to carry out expressed powers (e.g., drafting for military service, regulating nuclear energy).
Key Case: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) affirmed implied powers through the “necessary and proper” clause.
Concurrent Powers:
Shared by both the national and state governments (e.g., taxing, law enforcement).
Reserved Powers:
Powers not delegated to the national government are reserved for the states (10th Amendment, e.g., education, local law enforcement).
Overview of the Constitution’s Structure
Preamble:
States the Constitution’s purposes (e.g., “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility…”).
Articles:
Article I: Legislative Branch
Article II: Executive Branch
Article III: Judicial Branch
Article IV: Relationships among States
Article V: Amending the Constitution
Article VI: Supremacy Clause
Article VII: Ratification
Amendments:
The first ten are the Bill of Rights; later amendments address issues like suffrage, presidential term limits, and more.
Revisiting the Madisonian Model (Federalist Papers)
Federalist Paper #10:
Main Idea: Factions (special interests) are inevitable but must be controlled through federalism.
Emphasizes dividing power between national and state governments to mitigate factionalism.
Federalist Paper #51:
Main Idea: Checks and balances are essential.
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
Supports a separation of powers and a bicameral legislature.
Federalism – Definition & Overriding Questions
Definition:
Federalism is a system of organizing a nation so that two or more levels of government share formal authority over the land and its people.
It involves dividing and sharing power between the national government and the states.
Advantages of Federalism
Unity Without Uniformity:
Allows for national unity while letting individual states tailor policies to local needs.
Encourages Experimentation:
States can test different policies (e.g., on education, welfare, gun laws) to see what works best.
Closeness to the People:
Local and state governments are more accessible, letting citizens exercise direct influence.
Challenges & Negatives of Federalism
Diverse Laws & Conflicts:
Different states can have vastly different laws, leading to conflicts and competition.
Federal Preemption:
The national government can override local actions through federal law.
Unfunded Mandates:
States might be required to implement federal programs without receiving sufficient funding
Constitutional Foundations Supporting Federalism
Article VI – Supremacy Clause:
Asserts that the Constitution, national laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.
Tenth Amendment – Reserved Powers:
Declares that powers not delegated to the federal government belong to the states or the people.
Types of Powers and Their Role in Federalism
Expressed (Enumerated) Powers:
Clearly stated in the Constitution (e.g., levy taxes, coin money, regulate interstate commerce).
Found primarily in Article I, Section 8.
Implied Powers:
Not explicitly stated but necessary for executing expressed powers.
Key Case: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) upheld Congress’s power to create a national bank under the “necessary and proper” clause.
Concurrent Powers:
Powers shared by both the national government and the states (e.g., taxing, law enforcement).
Reserved Powers:
Powers exclusively for the states (e.g., education, licensing, local law enforcement) as outlined by the Tenth Amendment.
Federalism in Action – Grants and Mandates
Federal Grants:
Categorical Grants: For specific programs with matching requirements (e.g., Medicaid, bike lanes).
Block Grants: Large sums given for broader purposes, offering states more discretion (e.g., public health, crime control).
Project Grants: Awarded competitively for specific projects (e.g., cancer research).
Mandates:
Formal orders from the federal government requiring state compliance—often unfunded, causing financial strain.
Conditions of Aid:
States must meet specific requirements to receive federal funding
Conflict, Compromise & Contemporary Debates
Controversial Issues:
Example: Gun control—should it be regulated federally or left to states?
U.S. v. Lopez (1995): Held that Congress overstepped by using the Commerce Clause for “Gun Free School Zones.”
Conflict vs. Compromise:
Debate over whether one uniform national law or state-specific laws better serve citizens.
Consider factors like funding, local knowledge, and political priorities.
Devolution:
Movement toward returning more power and funding to the states (e.g., in welfare programs).
Dual vs. Cooperative Federalism
Dual Federalism:
Distinct, separate responsibilities at each level of government with little overlap.
Often visualized as a “layered cake.”
Cooperative Federalism:
Overlapping and shared responsibilities between state and national governments.
Visualized as a “marbled cake” where influences blend.
