Lesson 5, 6, 7 - Constitutional Republic

Question 1

Republic

Answer 1

A republic is a form of government in which power resides in elected representatives who govern on behalf of the citizens and are bound by a constitution or set of laws.

Question 2

Constitution

Answer 2

A constitution is a set of established and fundamental principles according to how a state or other organization is governed.

Question 3

Neutral Judge

Answer 3

A neutral judge is an individual or body responsible for interpreting and applying the law in legal disputes without bias or favoritism.

Question 4

Separation of Powers

Answer 4

The separation of powers is a principle of government in which the responsibilities and powers of governing are divided among different branches, such as the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch.

Question 5

Checks and balances

Answer 5

Checks and balances are mechanisms within a government system that allow each branch to limit the powers of the other branches, ensuring that no single branch becomes too powerful and preventing abuses of power.

Question 6

Legislative

Answer 6

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, typically composed of elected representatives who propose, debate, and vote on legislation.

Question 7

Congress

Answer 7

Congress is the name for the legislative branch in the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Question 8

Parliament

Answer 8

Parliament is the name for the legislative branch in many countries, composed of elected representatives who make laws and oversee the government.

Question 9

Executive

Answer 9

The executive branch is responsible for enforcing laws and implementing policies, typically headed by the president, prime minister, or equivalent leader.

Question 10

Judicial

Answer 10

The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws, settling disputes, and administering justice through courts and legal proceedings.

Question 11

Legitimacy

Answer 11

Legitimacy refers to the belief or acceptance that a government or ruler has the rightful authority to govern, often based on factors such as elections, adherence to laws, and public consent.

Question 12

Assumptions for Constitutional Republic (refer to philosopher John Locke)

Answer 12

Assumptions for a constitutional republic include John Locke’s ideas of natural rights, government by consent, and the need for a system of checks and balances to protect individual freedom.

Question 13

Consideration for Constitutional Republic

Answer 13

Consideration for a constitutional republic involves ensuring that laws and policies are consistent with the principles of the constitution, protecting individual rights and liberties, and maintaining a system of checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power.

Question 14

When is the Constitutional Republic contract void?

Answer 14

The contract of a constitutional republic may become void if the government fails to uphold the principles of the constitution, infringes upon the rights of citizens, or becomes tyrannical.

Question 15

Strengths of Constitutional Republic

Answer 15

Strengths of a constitutional republic include protection of individual rights, stability and predictability in governance, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances through the amendment process.

Question 16

Weaknesses of Constitutional Republic

Answer 16

Weaknesses of a constitutional republic may include the potential for inefficiency in decision-making, the risk of government becoming unresponsive to the needs of the people, and challenges in balancing competing interests within the political system.

Question 17

Case Study: Court Case of New York Times vs. United States what does it reveal about the Constitutional Republic system?

Answer 17

The Pentagon Papers case showed how our constitutional republic protects freedom of the press and keeps the government in check.

When the government wanted to stop newspapers from publishing classified documents, the Supreme Court said they could, showing that our courts can limit government power and keep it in line with the constitution.