US Constitution Flashcards
what is limited government
the founding fathers created the system to prevent tyranny. government is necessary but dangerous
what is a problem with limited government (cherry point)
it prevents bad things but in modern day it also prevents good things from being put in play
who mainly believe that “Big Govt” is a bad thing
the republican party- laissez faire
laissez faire
the government won’t spend big money or intervene in how individual states run things eg education
what is the theory of having a written constitution
it’s a set of guidelines that set out what the various institutions of government can and cannot do
what is separation of powers
device within constitution that both limit and spread out power (Montisqeau) to prevent domination and influence
James Madison quote on separation of powers
“no one individual, no one faction, no one branch should dominate”
how does the separation of powers affect the party majority (3 points)
congress is elected separately from the president. he is not guaranteed that his party will have a majority in congress. makes it very difficult to deliver on his agenda.
how does the separation of powers affect party discipline (3 points)
SoP means no promotion to the executive branch as a carrot and stick. no pressure to automatically support the president. less jeopardy in not following the president- his position not effective
Al Gorm example for SoP
“all politics is local” He was democrat senate for Tennessee but voted against tobacco regulations because Tennessee jobs depended on that industry
what are checks and balances
every power that the President, congress and supreme court have have actual legal restrictions
Hamilton quote on checks and balances
“ambition counteracting ambition”
2 checks on the president
He can propose legislation but congress has to ratify. He is head of state but congress can impeach.
1 check on congress
The president can veto legislation passed by congress
Why was the Bill of Rights made
The Founding Fathers wanted to guarantee “certain inalienable” human rights because of abuse
What is the Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the constitution, 1791
What are the first two amendments
- Freedom of speech, press, religion and assembly
- Right to bear arms
What are some later amendments to the constitution (2)
- Banning slavery
- Voting rights
What is an issue with the bill of rights (2 points)
it is so respected many are reluctant to change it, even for a good cause i.e gun control
-If one is changed, it leaves others open for attack
What is federalism
It defines the relationship between the national government (Federal govt) and the individual states
Why has federalism grown stronger (3+1)
Defeat of the south in the civil war
Improvements in communication and travel
Huge growth of patriotism
HOWEVER since 80s, claw backs part of republican attack on Big Govt
(federalism) What are some differences in lawmaking in the states (3)
The death penalty (27 states)
Tax prices
Marijuana
(federalism) why do some states have a different outlook on healthcare than others
Individual states have control over anything the federal government hasn’t touched. Eg Obamacare not fully implemented in all (republican) states
(federalism) why is running elections controversial in some states
Each state has their own electoral regulations. Many republican states have tightened voting rules, seen as voter suppression, disproportionately affecting democracy voters.
