Topics 1-3 Flashcards
Why is compromise necessary in a democracy?
To ensure that everyone is equal
What is the justification of taxation in a democracy?
The government must be able to provide services
Unitary
Located in the central government
Confederate
Powers are divided among the states of a country
Federal
Powers are equally divided among the central government
What is meant by ‘equality of opportunity’ in a democracy?
People are able to compete equally on level playing fields
Worth of the Individual
Everyone is an individual
Equality of All Persons
Democracy has their own definition of equality and entitlement
Majority Rule with Minority Rights
Democracy believes in the majority rule but the minority will be protected
Necessity of Compromise
Everyone must compromise in order to achieve agreement
Individual Freedom
Everyone deserves freedom in a civil way
What are the basic principles and philosophy of the social contract?
Protecting themselves instead of protecting each other
Form a More Perfect Union
Prevention of state rivalry
Establish Justice
Rules set in place to maintain justice
Insure Domestic Tranquility
Prevention of anarchy and peace among people
Provide for the Common Defense
Police and Military protect citizens
Promote the General Welfare
Making sure that products and services are safe for consumption
Secure the Blessings of Liberty
The liberty of America’s founders is present through patriotism
What is sovereignty and where is it located in democracy?
A dominant power and is located in Congress
What are the criticisms and concerns of anti-federalists?
The government would be too powerful
What are the basics of the government created by the Articles of Confederation?
Taxes, treaties, military, trade, and equality
What are the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
They have no power to tax and they borrow too much
What was the main purpose of The Declaration of Independence?
To cut ties with Britain and give people the right to create government
What prompted the leaders to scrap the articles of confederation and form a new government?
The powers were given to the state in favor of a stronger federal government
What are the major compromises of the Constitutional Convention?
The Great Compromise, 3/5ths compromise, the electoral college
What were the federalist papers and why were they written?
A collection of articles written to push new york to ratify the consitution
Why was it so important that virginia and new york ratify the constitution
if they didn’t ratify the constitution, it would reduce the union into two states
Popular Sovereignty
the right to rule from the government is from the people
Limited Government
The government is only given powers from the constitution
Separation of Powers
The powers of the government is divided among the three branches
Checks and Balances
Each branch of the government has the right to limit each other’s actions
Judicial Review
A review conducted by the Supreme Court of a validity of a legislative act
Federalism
The division of powers among the federal government and state
What is the process of selecting justices for the Supreme Court?
The president nominates the justices and the senate votes to confirm it
What does article 5 of the constitution provide for?
it is necessary to propose amendments with 2/3rds approval from houses
What is the amendment process?
may be proposed with 2/3rds votes from either the houses or states. Must be ratified through 3/4th state legislature or conventions
What type of amendment does article 5 prevent?
Inequality and suffrage of a state in the senate
What is the significance of the case marbury v. madison?
it established the checks and balances system
What is the significance of MucCulloch v Maryland?
It was one of the first cases on federal power
Approximately how often do the courts rule actions of the government as unconstitutional?
About 200 cases
What is the significance of the ‘necessary and proper’ clause
It allows Congress to pass laws which other departments can prosecute
What powers are denied to the federal government in Article 1, Section 9, and the bill of rights?
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States
What is the Constitutional source for most anti-discrimination laws?
the 5th amendment’s due process clause
Expressed powers
the power to make treaties, grant pardons, and nominate judges
Implied powers
powers that are not explicitly stated but rather implied
Inherent powers
powers that are held by a sovereign state
Reserved powers
powers that aren’t prohibited or explicitly given by law to government
Define Federalism and explain the way it functions in the United States
A federal government is a natural government and states are controlled by smaller state governments
Know the purpose of the full faith and credit clause
this is an attempt to prevent conflict among states
Know the significance of the supremacy clause
establishes federal constitution and law
