American Government: Unit 1 Study Guide

Purposes of Government as stated in the Preamble and examples

Origins of Government

Force Theory, Evolution Theory, Divine Right Theory, Social Contract Theory

The Declaration of Independence

Who was the most significant writer of the Declaration of Independence?

Which British philosopher did he get many of his ideas?

According to the Declaration of Independence, what are our natural rights? (list 3)

According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the purpose of government?

According to the Declaration of Independence, where does government get its power?

Articles of Confederation

Identify 3 reasons why they were unsuccessful

Issues at the Constitutional Convention

Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, Connecticut Compromise

State representation

  • What did big states argue in favor of?
  • What did small states argue in favor of
  • What was the compromise?

The slave population

  • What did the Northern states argue in favor of?
  • What did the Southern states argue in favor of?
  • What was the compromise?

6 Basic Principles of the Constitution (ESSAY QUESTION)

Provide an explanation and example of each of the 6 principles

  • Popular Sovereignty
  • Separation of Power
  • Checks and Balances
  • Judicial Review
  • Rule of Law (limited government)
  • Federalism

The Amendment Process

4 ways to formally amend the Constitution

  • What is the process in which 26/27 of the amendments have been proposed and ratified?
  • Which amendment was NOT proposed and ratified in that way? Why?

What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?

Informal Amendment Process (provide examples)

  • Basic Legislation, Executive Action, Judicial Review, Party Practices, Custom

Federalism

Definition, advantages, disadvantages

Full Faith and Credit, Privileges and Immunities, Extradition

What are delegated powers? Example?

What are expressed powers? Example?

What are concurrent powers? Example?

What are reserved powers? Example?

Be able to identify state powers and national powers. (see Venn Diagram)

What does the Supremacy Clause state?