Unit 1 Constitutional Democracy Flashcards
fJohn Locke
most important natural rights are those to life, liberty, and property—but this could also be framed as a natural law against murder, enslavement, and theft
believed that the social contract is constantly up for renewal
Thomas Hobbes
believed that once the people have given power to a ruler, they give up their right to rebel against that ruler.
English Bill of Rights
The people of England (after the Revolution of 1688) are the source of power, People are guaranteed the right to petition the king and to be tried by a jury when accused. Excessive bail, fines, and cruel and unusual punishments were forbidden.
The structure is of a free election of members of Parliament and mixed system with a limited monarchy and an elected Parliament
Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in U.S. foundational documents.
-They align with many values of the democrats
-Respect for individuals and their right to make their own choices.
-Tolerance of differences and opposing ideas.
-Equity—valuing all people and supporting them to reach their full potential.
-Each person has freedom of speech, association, movement and freedom of belief
What was the fundamental goal of America’s founding documents?
The fundamental goal of America’s founding documents was to achieve the same natural rights that are given to British citizens, not independence.
Explain the relationship between key provisions of the Articles of Confederation and the debate over granting the federal government greater power formerly reserved to the states.
The Articles wanted to provide state independence, but created a weak government. A compromise for more power was needed.
What do the Articles of Confederation suggest about how Americans saw themselves and their new country?
Americans were very nervous about giving power back to the government and saw themselves as very unorganized. But they also saw danger in divided lines which would lead to civil war.
The Shays Rebellion
Led to rebel against the state government on debts and taxes that were unchecked. It called for a strong central government
Social Contract Theory
The idea that the government has a specific duty to the people it governs
What kind of democracy did the framer’s originally design?
constitutional republic based on democratic principles
Articles of Confederation Issues
Created only Congress in the hands of the people. States had full power.
Revolutionary War Economy
Disrupted trade and damaged property led to deflation.
Shaw Rebellion
Revolt against tax collectors as taxes were raised without a federal government.
Under the Articles of Confederation, amendments had to be approved by how many states?
All of the states.
How did the Articles of Confederation describe the relationship between the states?
A firm league of friendship
Constitutional Convention
Addressed issues in the Articles of Confederations such as: representation, slavery, chief executives, election process
Virginia Plan
Proposed two house both represented by population. Power comes from the people
Great/Grand Compromise
In the House of Representatives, representation would be determined by population.
In the Senate each state would be represented by two senators, no matter how large or small its population.
New Jersey Plan
One house of equal representation. Power from the states.
Three-Fifths Compromise
It determined that three out of every five slaves were counted when determining a state’s total population for legislative representation and taxation.
Slave Trade
Decided to end in 1808 thus giving the south time to adjust to the change.
Electoral College
Each state would receive equal to the number of representatives in the House plus the number of senators.
These electors would have power to choose the president, but if no single candidate won a majority of electoral votes, the final decision would be made by the House of Representatives.
Constitution Amendments
Passed with the approval of two-thirds of both houses of Congress and three-fourths of the states.
Anti-Federalist
Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee. Supported by laborers and farmers. Liberty cannot remain in a large government. Popular in the South. Favored ties with France.
Federalists
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, James Jay. Supported by merchants, bankers, factions create a central government. Favored ties with Great Britain.
Federalist Papers
Written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Supported the new Constitution.
Federalist No. 10 by James Madison
-Large republic would preserve liberty. Factions are a necessary evil (interest groups) balance each other.
-Republics guards against factions better than democracy.
Anti-federalist papers by Brutus
Too much central power would be uncontrollable. Plus a lack of Bill of Rights
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Provided federal funding for public schools—as long as those schools met certain standards set by the federal government
USA PATRIOT Act
Expanded the powers of the federal government in areas like surveillance
