Introduction Flashcards
(34 cards)
Did the Declaration of Independence justify a revolution?
Key Text: “We hold these truths to be self‑evident… all men are created equal…”
Focus:
Identify inalienable rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness)
Understand that government derives its power from the consent of the governed
Recognize that if a government destroys these rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
Locke’s Influence and Founding Documents
John Locke’s Key Ideas:
Natural rights exist independent of government
Government must protect these rights and operate with the consent of the governed
Connection:
Locke’s philosophy influenced Jefferson’s words in the Declaration
These ideas justify revolution when a government fails to secure those rights.
The Articles of Confederation
Purpose: First step toward self-governance by uniting the 13 states
Features:
Unicameral Congress with one vote per state
No national executive or judicial system
Weaknesses:
Inability to tax or regulate interstate commerce
Laws required approval from 9 of 13 states
Lack of enforcement mechanisms leading to conflicts (e.g., boundary disputes, economic depression)
Shay’s Rebellion & the Call for Change
Shay’s Rebellion:
Led by Daniel Shay; sparked by economic hardship and debt
Highlighted the inability of the Articles to address internal disorder
Outcome:
Demonstrated the need for a stronger central government
Helped spur the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of a new Constitution
Transition to a New Government
Post-Revolution Governance:
After independence, each state created its own written constitution
The Articles of Confederation represented a “league of friendship” rather than a strong national government
Key Point:
The failures of the Articles led to debates and the eventual creation of the U.S. Constitution
Class Discussion & Expectations
Distinguish between discussion (open, respectful) and blather
Encourage every voice; listen generously
Weigh alternative viewpoints logically and support claims with evidence
Expectations:
All students contribute and back up claims with reasoning
Open discussions widen understanding and generate more alternatives
Democracy & Types of Democracies
Key Question: What is a democracy?
Definitions:
Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives who make decisions
Features: Free elections, one person-one vote, secret ballot, checks and balances
Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on policies (now possible via technology)
Critical Reflection:
Brainstorm features essential to a working democracy
Consider why democracies might fail (e.g., factionalism, majority tyranny, public ignorance)
Modern Political Socialization & the Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance Discussion:
Does reciting the pledge help socialize children politically?
Debate the impact of phrases like “Under God”
Broader Reflection:
How do patriotic rituals shape citizens’ sense of belonging and responsibility in a democracy?
Applying Foundational Concepts to Current Issues
Contemporary Relevance:
Connect historical ideas (natural rights, consent of the governed) to modern debates (gun violence, racism, border control)
Prompt for Reflection:
What should be the proper role of government in today’s complex issues?
How do foundational ideas influence public policy in a modern context?
Constitutional Core Principles
Madison’s Insight (Federalist No. 51):
“Government is… the greatest reflection on human nature. If men were angels, no government would be necessary… But men govern men. So, security measures are necessary.”
Six Core Principles:
Popular Sovereignty: Government’s authority comes from the people.
Federalism: Power is shared between national and state/local governments.
Separation of Powers: Division of government into three branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial).
Checks and Balances: Each branch can restrain the others (e.g., presidential veto, Senate confirmations).
Judicial Review: Courts can declare laws unconstitutional.
Limited Government: Government power is restricted by the Constitution.
Detailed Look at Popular Sovereignty & Federalism
Popular Sovereignty:
Means “rule by the people” (voting, assembling).
Foundational phrase: “We the People.”
Federalism:
Power is divided between national and state governments.
Examples: Traffic laws, immigration policies, gun laws, taxation.
Debate Example: Who should help disaster victims—national or state government?
Limited Government, Separation of Powers, and Checks & Balances
Limited Government:
Government can only act within the powers granted by the Constitution.
Example: The government cannot restrict free speech (1st Amendment).
Separation of Powers:
Divides duties among three branches:
Legislative (Article I): Makes laws.
Executive (Article II): Enforces laws.
Judicial (Article III): Interprets laws.
Checks and Balances:
Each branch can check the others (e.g., presidential veto, judicial review, Senate confirmation)
Judicial Review
Definition:
The power of courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional.
Key Example:
Established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Significance:
Ensures that no branch exceeds its constitutional authority.
Theories of American Democracy
Participatory Theory:
Emphasizes direct citizen involvement in political decisions.
Pluralist Theory:
Interests form groups (e.g., AARP, ACLU) to influence policy; power is decentralized.
Elite and Class Theory:
A small, wealthy elite wields most political power.
Hyperpluralist Theory:
Excessive competition among interest groups leads to gridlock and inefficiency.
Basic Functions of Government & Political Participation
Government Functions:
Maintain national defense, provide public goods, ensure order, offer economic services, and socialize citizens.
Politics:
The process of selecting leaders and creating policies (“Who gets what, when, and how?”)
Federalism in Practice:
Division of powers among local, state, and national levels; overlapping responsibilities.
Public Policy Institutions:
The legislative process, executive actions, and judicial decisions all shape public policy.
Participation:
Voting, civic engagement, and debate are crucial for a functioning democracy.
Reciting the Preamble & Civic Engagement
Daily Recitation: Reinforces national ideals and reminds us of our collective promise for a more perfect union.
Key Phrase: “We the People…” emphasizes that all governmental authority comes from the citizens.
Civic Impact:
Helps instill respect for constitutional principles.
Encourages active participation in democracy
Core Constitutional Principles – Overview
The Constitution sets the rules that govern the U.S. government through six core principles:
Popular Sovereignty: Political power comes from the people.
Federalism: Power is divided and shared between the national and state governments.
Separation of Powers: Distinct powers are allocated among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Checks and Balances: Each branch can limit the power of the others (e.g., presidential veto, Senate confirmations).
Judicial Review: Courts have the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
Limited Government: The government’s powers are restricted by the Constitution.
Popular Sovereignty
Definition: Division of government into three branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) with distinct duties.
Purpose:
Prevents concentration of power and protects freedom.
Ensures balanced, deliberative lawmaking (e.g., bicameral legislature in Congress).
Participatory Theory
Emphasizes direct citizen involvement and decision-making.
Pluralist Theory
Citizens organize into groups to influence policy; no single group dominates
Elite and Class Theory
Political power is concentrated among a small, wealthy elite
Hyperpluralist Theory
Excessive competition among interest groups leads to government gridlock
Powers Granted to the National Government
Expressed (Enumerated) Powers:
Directly stated in the Constitution (e.g., levy taxes, coin money, declare war).
Implied Powers:
Not explicitly stated but necessary to carry out expressed powers (e.g., drafting for military service, regulating nuclear energy).
Key Case: McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) affirmed implied powers through the “necessary and proper” clause.
Concurrent Powers:
Shared by both the national and state governments (e.g., taxing, law enforcement).
Reserved Powers:
Powers not delegated to the national government are reserved for the states (10th Amendment, e.g., education, local law enforcement).
Overview of the Constitution’s Structure
Preamble:
States the Constitution’s purposes (e.g., “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility…”).
Articles:
Article I: Legislative Branch
Article II: Executive Branch
Article III: Judicial Branch
Article IV: Relationships among States
Article V: Amending the Constitution
Article VI: Supremacy Clause
Article VII: Ratification
Amendments:
The first ten are the Bill of Rights; later amendments address issues like suffrage, presidential term limits, and more.
