Discuss the parallels between John Locke's political philosophy and the ideas contained within the Declaration of Independence.
The both believed in the idea thag every human was born with natural rights. Another similarity is they both believed the government could only exist with consent of the governed.
Explain what is meant by the notion that the American Revolution was a "conservative" revolution.
It did not alter life like many other revolutions, but rather restored rights they felt were already theirs.
Describe the events associated with Shay's Rebellion and the significance of these events for the writing of the Constitution.
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How did colonial experience shape the policy agenda at the Constitutional Convention?
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What issues compromised the agenda at the convention, and how were these issues resolved?
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What were the primary agreements and disagreements among delegates to the Constitutional Convention?
They agreed the Articles of Confederation were inadequate and the idea of limited government and representative government. They disagreed on slavery and the powers of the President.
Compare and Contrast the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
The Virginia Plan wanted representation based on population, whereas a smaller NJ wanted one vote from each state in the New Jersey Plan. They both wanted what best suited their type of state. (large v.s. small)
How were aspects of each incorporated into the Constitution?
The Great Compromise called for equal representation in the Senate and representation based of population in the House.
How was the issue of slavery dealt with at the Constitutional Convention and in the Constitution?
The 3/5 compromise. It was not really dealt with otherwise. The states with more slaves benefited the most from the Compromise.
What is a republic?
State in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representative, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
How is a republic different from a democracy?
In a republic, the power is held by those who are eligible to vote, and the will of the people is carried out by representatives elected by voters. The people do not directly rule.
Why did the authors of the Constitution favor a republic over a democracy?
A true democracy would be too difficult to work.
Describe the key checks and balances created in the Constitution. What are the purposes of them? Do they lead to efficient government! Why or why not?
The purpose of checks and balances is to have all three branches look over each other. It leads to a better government because it makes it stable. It supervises everything so things cannot go horribly wrong.
Explain the process by which the Constitution was ratified.
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What were the major arguments against the ratification of the Constitution? How were these issues ultimately resolved?
The major a regiment against ratifying by Anti-Federalists was that they thought that the government that would be created would be too powerful, and they would paving the way for a monarchy. Ultimately, they made compromises.
What are the formal and informal processes thought which the Constitution is changed?
Article V creates a two stage process. An amendment can be proposed by 2/3 of both houses of congress or by 2/3 of state legislatures requesting Congress to call a national convention to propose amendments. An amendment can be ratified by a favorable vote in 3/4 of all state legislatures or by such a vote in specially called ratifying conventions called in 3/4 of the states. The federal courts have the power to nullify actions of the national government if found to be in conflict with the Constitution.
How has technology changed the Constitution?
Mass media. It influences so many to vote one way or for one person. The advancement of things has created concern of how certain amendments are worded.
Why is flexibility important in the Constitution?
As time advances, new things come about and it is important to adapt to the unexpected things that happen.
In what ways does the Constitution encourage stalemate?
It provides access for many interests, and through separation of powers.