Edwards Chapter 2 Notes

Question 1

Natural Rights

Answer 1

(Rights you’re born with not given by the government including life, liberty, and property)

Question 1

“By the consent of the governed”

Answer 1

The Power of the government is derived from the people they elected

Question 2

According to John Lock, What was the main purpose of government

Answer 2

To Protect People’s natural rights

Question 3

The people had a right to revolt against the government according to John Lock if they violated…

Answer 3

There end of the social contract

Question 4

What is the purpose of the declaration of independence

Answer 4

To list the abuses that the king did, give justification for succession, and a plea for foreign help

Question 5

Articles of Confederation was adopted…

Answer 5

1777, implemented 1781

Question 6

The Articles of confederation was described as having a ….

Answer 6

Weak central gov that was ineffective

Question 7

2 missing branches from the Article of confederation compared to the U.S constitution

Answer 7

Executive and Judicial

Question 8

Why could congress not effectively protect itself from domestic and international threats

Answer 8

States were supposed to give money for a national defense fund but in most cases did not

Question 9

Farmer Rebellion tied to Articles of confederation’s failure

Answer 9

Shay’s rebellion

Question 10

Reasons for Shay’s rebellion

Answer 10

Shays’ Rebellion occurred because of deep economic disparities and systemic injustices facing farmers in post-revolutionary Massachusetts, including crushing debt and tax burdens that the local governance failed to address adequately. Many of these farmers were also veterans of the Revolutionary War, feeling neglected and desperate as they faced the confiscation of their lands and imprisonment due to their inability to repay debts in a fragile post-war economy.

Question 11

Date of the constitutional convention

Answer 11

May, 1787

Question 12

Which state did not send a delegate to the convetion

Answer 12

Rhode Island

Question 13

Describe delegates to the convention

Answer 13

55 (Rich, educated) men

Question 14

The Framers agreed on 4 core principal of the new constitution

Answer 14

1) Stronger Central Gov
2) Check on Factions
3) Purpose of Gov was to protect rights (Including Property)
4) Installing Checks and Balances

Question 15

Divided Government

Answer 15

A divided government occurs when different political parties control different branches of government, leading to potential stalemates and gridlocks during policy and decision-making processes. It fosters checks and balances but can impede swift governance.

Question 16

Mandate

Answer 16

Authority granted to a government or individual to govern, often derived from electoral support.

Question 17

President’s Adminstration

Answer 17

The team and agencies led by the president to govern and implement policies; it includes various advisors, cabinet members, and other officials.

Question 18

Reform

Answer 18

Changes made to improve a system or institution, often through amendments or legislation.

Question 19

parties

Answer 19

Groups organized around shared political objectives and ideologies, seeking to influence or control government policy.

Question 20

bill

Answer 20

A proposed law presented for debate and approval in a legislative body.

Question 21

congressional oversight

Answer 21

The process by which U.S. Congress monitors and reviews the actions of the executive branch and other federal agencies to ensure adherence to law and effective operation

Question 22

bureaucratic agency

Answer 22

A government body responsible for implementing specific actions or policies, often characterized by a hierarchical structure and clearly defined roles and procedures

Question 23

policy

Answer 23

A plan or course of action adopted by a government, organization, or individual to achieve specific outcomes or handle certain issues

Question 24

U.S House Ways and Means Committee

Answer 24

A committee in the U.S. House of Representatives responsible for writing tax legislation and overseeing public revenue, social security, and other fiscal policies

Question 25

Committee Chairman

Answer 25

The elected leader of a committee, responsible for directing its functions, setting its agenda, and overseeing its meetings and hearings

Question 26

pigeonhole

Answer 26

In legislative terms, to set aside a bill or ignore it, effectively halting its progress through the legislative process. Often used by committee chairs or other leaders to control the agenda

Question 27

earmarks

Answer 27

Provisions added to legislation to direct funds to specific projects, often in the legislative sponsor's home district, potentially facilitating the passage of the bill by gaining support from other lawmakers

Question 28

pork

Answer 28

Informal term for government spending on local projects secured primarily to bring money to a representative's district, often seen as a way to gain favor with constituents but criticized for encouraging wasteful spending. It is essentially the allocation of funds to projects that serve a limited special interest

Question 29

constituents

Answer 29

The people represented by a politician or elected official, typically the residents of the official's electoral district or jurisdiction.

Question 30

gerrymandered district

Answer 30

A voting district that has been manipulated, changing its boundaries to favor one political party or group, often leading to distorted and uncompetitive elections

Question 31

fillibuster

Answer 31

A tactic used in legislative bodies, notably the U.S. Senate, where a member can delay or block legislative action by speaking for extended periods or using other procedural tactics, unless a supermajority votes to end the discussion

Question 32

House of Representatives

Answer 32

One of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress, consisting of representatives elected by the people, with the number of representatives per state being proportional to its population. Responsible for creating and passing federal laws, among other duties

Question 33

Senate

Answer 33

One of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress, comprised of 100 senators, with each state represented by two senators regardless of its population. The Senate has the exclusive power to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties, among other duties

Question 34

Democratic Party Leadership

Answer 34

The group of elected officials who lead the Democratic Party in various governmental bodies, setting the legislative agenda and strategy for the party. The leadership includes positions such as the party chair, and leaders in the House and Senate

Question 35

cloture

Answer 35

A procedure used in legislative bodies to end debate on a proposed measure and bring it to a vote, effectively overcoming a filibuster. In the U.S. Senate, a three-fifths majority is required to invoke cloture