...at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, their experiences the Articles of Confederation and the British Monarchy were fresh in their heads. They knew they had to find a balance between Britain, which gave no power to the people, and the Articles of Confederation, which gave too much power to the people. Many principles of the Constitution were included because of negative past experiences with Britain and the Articles of Confederation. For example, the policy of Federalism was incorporated into the Constitution to balance the power between the central government and the states; Judicial Review was added to accommodate changing times as the Articles hadn’t allowed; The Bill of Rights was included to protect and ensure basic rights as Britain hadn’t....
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...of the governed, individualism Ideology * Political ideology is an integrated system of ideas or beliefs about political values in general and the role of the government in particular * Ideology provides a framework for thinking about politics and policy preferences Ideologies * Modern liberalism is associated with ideas of liberty and political equality: * Tend to favor chance in social, political and economic realms to better protect individuals and produce equality What is the constitution? * Fundamental principles of a government and the basic structures and procedures Two US Constitutions * Articles of confederation ( 1781-1789) * Constitution of the united states (1789-present) Events leading up to the US constitution * By the 18th century, two-tier system of governance had evolved – local colonial assemblies vs Parliament in Britain * Britain’s involvement in the seven years’ war cost money that they tried to recoup from the colonies * Sugar act (1764) * Stamp act (1765) * Colonists responded with...
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...III) Articles of Confed a) Confederation b) Specific Terms c) General Results d) Shays Rebellion IV) Constitution a) 4 key debates B) Specific terms of the articles (about the national govt.) • Unicameral legislature • No power to tax • No power to raise army • No executive branch (could make laws but not enforce them) • No judicial branch • Unanimous vote needed to change Articles C) General results of the Articles • Weak and incomplete national govt. • Economic chaos o States fund the war by borrowing money from federal govt. o Govt. wants the money back o Economy dries up and leads to a “trade war” with competing interest o States taxes their own citizens since they can’t borrow money o People (mostly farmers) lose their possessions and property since they can’t pay taxes o Damages the economy even more since farm family is out of work • No sufficient national defense o Enemy 1 the British o French and the Spanish also potential threats o Native Indian tribes also potential threat • States are left largely on their own (13 separate states, no unity) D) Shay’s Rebellion 4 Key debates 1. Representation of the states (large population vs. small population) o States might be equal but not for individuals o Creates a Bicameral Legislation (2 houses) 1. Senate 2. House of reps (representation based on population) which is known as “the great compromise” o Defensive compromise; better at not getting stuff done than getting stuff done. 2. Slavery...
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...Alexander Hamilton Vs Thomas Jefferson Taxation, the Boston tea party, the intolerable acts, and the battle of concord were the most important causes to begin the American Revolution in 1775. Although In 1776, the thirteen colonies declared their independence, they had to fight for their independence and get their freedom from British rule. The Nations faced a weak political system after the revolution which led to many serious issues and problems. The thirteen colonies were agreed by what called the Articles of Confederation during the war. Even though the Articles of Confederation was done to create the congress, the central government was not recognized by the Article of Confederation. Moreover, the courts and the law as well was not created. The weakness of the system was obvious after the ending of the...
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...The Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution DeVry University The Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution are the historical documents that have been the building blocks of democracy that America is known for today. The Articles of Confederation are in many way an extension of what makes up the United States Constitution. In 1777, there wear a combination of thirteen states that came together to mold a type of government document that the United States could determine as “central” style of government. These states included New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. By late 1787, the Articles of Confederation were replaced by a more complete United States Constitution. There are several differences and similarities that lead to this American government transformation. The origination of the Articles of Confederation were a dynamic that was set into place in order to safeguard the union of states from any foreign control. It was a time in which the newly born states were yearning to be a set of sovereign states but stay independent from British colony control. Thus, the Articles of Confederation were originated. There were several important aspects of the Articles of Confederation that helped the United States reach a somewhat government goal. In the articles, states were allowed to collect taxes from its citizens...
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...The Dueling Banjos (State vs. Federal) The United States Judicial System Dee Montano CJA/204 April 3, 2012 Sherre D. Corniel The Dueling Banjos (State vs. Federal) The United States Judicial System Frustration, confusion, and complexity; these three words can and are used regularly to describe the justice system within the United States. A better understanding of the history, principles, and role of the dual court system is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the American justice system. FEDERALISM vs. ANTI-FEDERALISM The roots of the modern court system in the United States can be found in the principle of federalism. When the delegates met in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention among other issues that needed to be addressed was a national judicial system; the Articles of Confederation was woefully inadequate in providing for this. The dual judicial system that exists today was given life with the passage of Article III of the U.S. Constitution ("[t]he judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.") Article III was a compromise between the Federalists, supporters of a strong central government, who thought that the federal judiciary should contain all of the courts (trial, appellate, and supreme). Whereas the Anti-Federalists, proponents of states’ rights, believed that an all-inclusive federal judiciary would minimize...
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...Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, was ratified in 1781 and it can be argued that many states operated as independent countries under this. After America won its independence from Britain in 1783, it become increasingly evident that the USA needed a stronger, central government to remain stable and so the US Constitution was created and signed on 17th September 1787 in Philadelphia. This Constitution is still used today and is at the heart of American Politics but the debate lies in whether an 18th Century document is acceptable for the present day. A Constitution written in 18th Century does not work in the 21st Century because it is difficult to update and some parts make no sense in today’s society such as the Second Amendment and the Electoral College, as there have been four occasions when the candidate who got the most votes lost the election. The amendment process is too difficult, thus making is almost impossible to remove parts no longer necessary or to add parts that the majority desires. For example, the Second Amendment, in the Bill of Rights, allows US citizens the right to bear arms, which has caused much conflict as it has become increasingly evident that people are willing to abuse this right. Attempts to overturn the Second Amendment have been very much refused due to the rigid, outdated Constitution. The power of judicial review gives the Supreme Court far too much power to ‘amend’ the meaning of the Constitution. For example, the Row vs. Wade case, where...
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...News Paper article: Anti-Federalist vs. Federalist In a monarchy, the people have no say in the government, and if anti-federalist we would be living in a monarchy. This would cause chaos and hostility amongst the citizens of the nation, and sway the congress of the United States to continue in its federalist ideals and views. The feud between federalist and anti-federalist prolonged for quite awhile. It’s good that we really went over the views of both sides before deciding which one would be incorporated in to running this country. The federalist, in many peoples opinion was more for the people. Federalist wanted to do business with England. The federalist wanted a strong central government. They wanted a central bank and a federal army. Federalist also was strongly against slavery and wanted to terminate it. “It is evident that each department should have a will of its own; and consequently should be so constituted that the members of each should have as little agency as possible in the appointment of the members of the others … But the great security against a gradual concentration of the several powers in the same department consists in giving to those who administer each department the necessary constitutional means and personal motives to resist encroachments of the others.” “In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates.” “In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this:...
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...HISTORICAL ESSAY #1 Confederation and Constitution The Articles of Confederation was agreed to by Congress on November 15, 1777 and was ratified and in force on March 1, 1781. By the year 1787, this new government had fallen short of the expectations of the people it was intended to govern. The weaknesses in The Articles of Confederation were numerous and had, in the thinking of many prominent men of that time, failed and would lead to a state of anarchy. There was such a sense of urgency to amend it that there seemed to be an atmosphere of panic among many of our Founding Fathers. John Dickenson and fellow members of the 2nd Continental Congress, weary of monarchy rule, had created the Articles of Confederation as a listing of twelve specific Powers given Congress by which to govern. Legislation required nine votes to pass. Each state had only one vote and this was problematic to the larger states, as their problems, more often than not, were based on a larger population and it was not unusual that the smaller states didn’t understand or want to pay for the solutions. Some lesser acts did not require nine votes to pass, but simply a majority of those present. Acts of Significant Consequence did require nine votes. The trouble with all of this was that even if nine votes could be achieved, there was no enforcement of law to be implemented by Congress. Congress could make law but not enforce it. It could charge states for their share of national...
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...Western Alienation Western alienation is defined as a “political ideology” or regional discontent, this is rooted with the dissatisfaction of western provinces in the federal government by representation. This essay will examine the causes of western alienation in Canada by examining 3 main causes: Inter-state federalism, the senate and the importance of Quebec emerging in late 1900's. Governments in Canada have developed relations between themselves, involving government and legislation. Inter government relations resemble international diplomacy( meetings with prime minister, provincial premiers, staff and flags). Conducted by government and politicians who have to be sure of the fact that what they do in inter government relations is public and people are watching them. Proponents of the western alienation may suggest that complaints in western Canada most often have to do with matters falling within the jurisdiction of the federal government, such as trade policy, tariffs, equalization procedures, and various aspects of fiscal arrangements pertaining to federal social program investment and expenditure. The West wants fair rules and regulations regarding these matters of federal concern. Thus, this desire should not be correlated with the demand for more provincial powers or jurisdiction. The most popular form of representation in the house of commons is the senate, in Canada the senate is appointed by the Prime Minister. Although the senate in Canada does not represent...
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...Republican motherhood Raise virtuous, well-educated sons That is what is necessary in a republic E.g. Abigail Adams Question How successful were the Articles of Confederation as a constitution? Evidence Congress didn’t have the power to collect taxes or to regulate commerce Written notes… Constitution Written notes… Article II Presidential (executive branch) powers Commander in chief Enormous power that is used regularly Undeclared wars are now commonplace – the president orders military action (criticism of an imperial presidency – perhaps president should ask Congress regardless) Negotiate treaties Senate has to approve by 2/3 majority, however Veto Negotiated legislation President sets the budget and sets agenda Can be overridden by a 2/3 majority of Congress Andrew Johnson had numerous vetoes overridden (also Truman) Obama has vetoed the fewest bills since James Garfield Divided congress with great difficulty passing bills Primary reason: president is an integral part of the legislative process Appoint federal justices and government employees (e.g. heads of CIA and Federal Reserve) Enforce laws executive orders Order of the president without Congressional approval that has the force of law Only operates within the framework of an existing piece of legislation or constitutional power Order based on a certain interpretation Example: Harry Truman integrates the armed forces Ends segregation of blacks and whites in the army Issue pardons Electoral...
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...Jassi Sikand Dr. Douglas Dow DATE \@ "M/d/yy" 2/9/14 A Discussion about Framed A Précis of Framed: America’s 51 Constitutions and the Crisis of Governance In Framed: America's 51 Constitutions and the Crisis of Governance, Sanford Levinson evaluates the current standing of the Constitution. He sets aside what most people would think of as ‘constitutional law’. He is not interested in discussing topics of major debate, calling them the ‘constitution of conversation,’ but rather, wishes to discuss those topics which have already been, for the most part, settled, aptly called the ‘constitution of settlement.’ Topics such as whether Congress should be a bicameral legislature, or whether judges should be appointed for life, or whether the electorate should be able to vote on constitutional amendments. Topics that are not questions of interpretation, but rather, questions of the wisdom of the structural decisions of the Constitution itself, most of which were made way back during the Philadelphia Convention. His purpose in doing so is not so much to answer questions, but rather to ask them. He seldom gives his own positions on the questions that he asks - more so, he wishes to open up the public’s mind about such questions. In order to do so, he seldom uses expert jargon, preferring to explain himself as much a common man (or woman) would. His point throughout the entire book is not to chastise the Framers of the Constitution, but to explain how while decision made back...
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...Houston Community College Homework 1-5 Presented To: Lloyd W. Gaddis By Yushana Ford Government 2305 8:00A.M- 9:30A.M Mon/Wed 09/20/2015 Chapter 1: The More Things Change…The More They Stay the Same 1. Analyze current problems and issues in American Government by applying Historical perspectives: -History Repeats Itself +A new Communication medium paves the way to Electoral Victory- Meaning the internet and social media have revolutionized American politics. Campaign advertising is the use of an advertising campaign through the media to influence political debate and ultimately voters. Political advertising has changed drastically over the last several decades. Harry S. Truman was proud of his accomplishment of shaking approximately 500,000 hands but his accomplishment was soon pale compared to the next presidential election with the advent of television, war hero and presidential candidate D.W Eisenhower created commercials to get votes and so on and it different with different elections and different decades. +The Power of Incumbency- It is usually used in reference to elections where races can often be defined as being between an incumbent and non-incumbents. Incumbents have easier access to campaign finance and government resources that can be indirectly used to boost a campaign. Incumbency is any elected official who is already in office and seeking re-election. 2. Explain the Philosophical underpinnings of American Political System through...
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...and you will have 35 minutes to complete the exam. Federalism: The Basic elements of a Federal system of government (i.e. how is it structured/how power is shared) • Layers of gov • Equal power • Distinct powers Powers of the federal government: delegated powers, implied powers (necessary and proper clause), and concurrent powers. • Delegated Powers: (expressed/enumerated powers) powers given to the federal government directly by the constitution. Some most important delegated powers are: the authority to tax, regulated interstate commerce, authority to declare war, and grants the president role of commander and chief of the military • Implied Powers: Powers not expressed in the constitution, but that can be inferred. “Necessary and proper clause” • Concurrent powers: powers shared by both levels of government. Ex: Taxes, roads, elections, commerce, establishing courts and a judicial system • Reserved powers: powers not assigned by the constitution to the national government but left to the states or the people. Guaranteed by the 10th amendment. Include “police power”-health and public welfare, intra-state commerce. Example of police powers: Gonzales vs Raich (2005) and California Medical Marijuana. The parts and relevance of the "Triad of Powers" • Interstate commerce clause • General welfare • 10th amendment – non-delegated powers go to the states Federalism between states (i.e. full faith and credit and privileges...
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...CHAPTER 5 The American Revolution, 1763-1783 Chapter Study Outline I. The crisis begins A. Pre-1763 consolidation of imperial authority B. Emerging split over British-colonial relations 1. British perspective a. Subordinate position of colonies b. Obligation of colonies to share in cost of empire c. "Virtual representation" 2. American perspective a. Equality of colonies and mother country b. No taxation without representation C. Initial skirmishes 1. Writs of assistance against smuggling 2. Proclamation of 1763 3. Sugar Act 4. Revenue Act 5. Currency Act D. Stamp Act crisis 1. Provisions of Stamp Act 2. Indignation in colonies 3. Taxation and representation; increasing opposition a. Virginia resolutions b. Stamp Act Congress c. Boycott of British goods d. Public demonstrations e. Committees of Correspondence f. Sons of Liberty g. Crowd actions 4. Breadth of opposition a. Colonial elites b. Middling ranks c. Laboring classes 5. Repeal of Stamp Act; passage of Declaratory Act E. Internal colonial disputes 1. Tenant uprising in Hudson Valley 2. Tenant uprising in Green Mountains 3. Regulators in South Carolina 4. Regulators in North Carolina II. The road to revolution A. Townshend crisis 1. Provisions of Townshend duties 2. Colonial response, home-spun virtue a. Revival of boycott on British goods b. American-made goods as symbol of resistance c. Reawakening of popular protest B. Boston Massacre 1. Stationing of troops in Boston 2...
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