1. What is the purpose of government? The purpose of government is to maintain order, provide public goods, and promote equality.
2. What was the founders’ view of the purpose of government and the role of the citizen in the American Republic? The founders believed that power should be distributed among three branches( Legislative, Judicial, and Executive) to prevent any one person from having too much power. Citizens of the American Republic would have the ability to elect educated officials into office, who would represent them in federal decisions 3. Are these views still relevant at the close of the millennium? Yes, the views of the founders are still relevant because without citizens their is no government. Without proper distribution of power, potential problems could arise. 4. How does the constitution underpin U.S. government? The U.S. Constitution limits the federal governments power upon the states. The states are able to create their there own laws and regulations, and the U.S. government cannot intervene unless the issue is unconstitutional. 5. Why was the concept of “checks and balances” a novel idea in the 18th century versus today? The idea was novel in the 18th century because James Madison believed a system of checks and balances would protect liberty in a large public. 6. How does Madison’s concept of checks and balances challenge popular understanding of Montesquieu’s theory of separation of powers? Montesquieu believed in the separation of powers among the legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches. Madison's concept of checks and balances would give certain powers to one branch that the other two could never obtain, thus limiting a political branch's ability from ever having dominant control. 7. Define the following concepts: Democratic theory- process that involves universal participation, equality, responsiveness, and majority rule. Republicanism- eliminate a king and form a government in which the citizens are involved Pluralist theory- politics is is a competition among many groups, each supporting their preferred policies Majoritarianism- belief that decisions should be made on behalf of numerical majority of the members Elitist theory- political power is held by small and wealthy groups of people that share similar values and interests 8. Why did the Anti-Federalists fear the new governmental system? Anti-federalists feared the new government system because they were worried about its potential to cause harm. 9. Does this new federal system strengthen or weaken the concept of separation of powers? Why or why not? The new federal system strengthens the concept of separation of powers because it allows the states to make laws and regulations with limited federal government intervention. 10. What are the powers of state and local governments in an era of “new federalism” and devolution? State and local governments in an era of "new federalism" have the power to regulate: commence, labor relations, and educational policies. 11. What influence should the federal government have over state and local issues such as education, affirmative action, abortion, and the environment? The federal government should have no influence over state and local issues unless it is unconstitutional. |