Chapter 1: Constitutional Democracy
Vocabulary and Study Questions
Vocabulary:
Democracy
Direct Democracy
Representative Democracy
Constitutional Democracy
Constitutionalism
Statism
Popular Consent
Majority Rule
Majority
Plurality
Social Capital
Ideology
Theocracy
Articles of Confederation
Annapolis Convention
Constitutional Convention
Shays’ Rebellion
Bicameralism
Virginia Plan
New Jersey Plan
Connecticut Compromise
Three-Fifth Compromise
Federalists
Anti-Federalists
The Federalist
Study Questions:
Introduction (p.1-2)
1. According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC poll in late 2000, what percentage of American had confidence in the federal government?
Constitutional Democracy is not a Spectator Sport (p. 2-4)
2. Why has the United States succeeded for so long?
3. What does “government by consent” require?
4. What does “constitutional democracy” require?
5. What do we expect from our politicians?
Defining Democracy (p. 4-12)
6. What is the distinguishing characteristic of a democracy?
7. Historically, what has been the problem with direct democracies?
8. What does the term “republic” mean?
9. Define the essence of liberty.
10. Where does popular consent in a democracy come from?
11. What does “equality of opportunity” mean?
12. What does “the consent of the people” mean?
13. How are the following interrelated?
- Free and fair elections
- Majority (plurality) rule
- Freedom of expression
- The right to assemble and protest
14. What are the four distinctive elements of the U.S. constitutional system?
15. How do each of the following contribute the endurance of the U.S.?
- Educational conditions
- Economic conditions
- Social conditions
- Ideological conditions
The Constitutional Roots of the American Experiment (p. 12-14)
16. What are the basic principles of the Declaration of Independence?
17. What was the most significant default of the Articles of Confederation?
18. Describe the significance of Shays’ Rebellion.
The Constitutional Convention (p. 14-19)
19. Describe the typical delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
20. What role did George Washington play at the Convention?
21. What does “balanced government” mean?
22. Compare and contrast the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
23. Describe the Connecticut Compromise.
24. Describe the Three-Fifths Compromise.
To Adopt or not to Adopt? (p. 19-21)
25. Who were the Federalists? The Anti-Federalists? What were the main arguments of each side?
26. What was the most significant issue during the ratification debates?
27. How many states were required to ratify the Constitution?
28. How did each of the following men view the Constitution:
- James Madison
- Alexander Hamilton
- John Jay
- Patrick Henry
- New York landowners