• 1- What is the purpose of government?
The purpose of government is to monitor, organize, and keep citizens in it's state safe. It is also there so anarchy does not occur.
• 2- What was the founders’ view of the purpose of government and the role of the citizen in the American Republic?
The Founders' view of the purpose of government was to avoid anarchy and to be able have an organized republic. They believed the role of the citizen in the American Republic was to participate in the voting process if knowledgeable.
• 3- Are these views still relevant at the close of the millennium?
The views are not relevant at the close of the millennium because more people are able to understand and participate in helping the government.
• 4- How does the constitution underpin U.S. government?
The Constitution underpins the U.S government by laying out what it can and can not do through various articles. It gives the three branches power the government did not have with the Articles.
• 5- Why was the concept of “checks and balances” a novel idea in the 18th century versus today?
Checks and balances were a novel idea because it would ensure that no one branch of government would be too powerful. Today it works to ensure the President or Congress does not do something that is not in their power.
• 6- How does Madison’s concept of checks and balances challenge popular understanding of Montesquieu’s theory of separation of powers?
• 7- Define the following concepts: democratic theory, republicanism, pluralist theory, majoritarianism, and the elitist theory.
Democratic theory is the theory that the government operates under order of it's citizens, which can be given directly or through representatives.
Republicanism is a state operating as a republic and stresses popular sovereignty.
Pluralist theory is the theory that interests groups with political preferences will compete in an organized effort to get things the way they want.
Majoritarianism is the practice that the beliefs of a majority of members in a group should decide the outcome.
The elitist theory is that elite (most likely wealthy and powerful) rule for their own self gain.
• 8- Why did the Anti-Federalists fear the new governmental system?
The Anti-Federalists feared the new governmental system because, to them, the national government held too much power when most of it should have gone to the states. They did not want a strong national government when just recently escaping Britain and King George.
• 9- Does this new federal system strengthen or weaken the concept of separation of powers? Why or why not?
The new governmental system strengthens the concept of separation of powers. It shows that three branches of government can work and not have one branch hold too much strength.
• 10- What are the powers of state and local governments in an era of “new federalism” and devolution?
In an era of "new federalism" and devolution state governments have the power to establish public schools, make laws concerning marriage and divorce, and regulate trade within the state.
• 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 influence over abortion and the environment because any results of these two things are permanent. Education and affirmative action should be state and local issues because the needs of these differ from state to state.
The purpose of government is to monitor, organize, and keep citizens in it's state safe. It is also there so anarchy does not occur.
• 2- What was the founders’ view of the purpose of government and the role of the citizen in the American Republic?
The Founders' view of the purpose of government was to avoid anarchy and to be able have an organized republic. They believed the role of the citizen in the American Republic was to participate in the voting process if knowledgeable.
• 3- Are these views still relevant at the close of the millennium?
The views are not relevant at the close of the millennium because more people are able to understand and participate in helping the government.
• 4- How does the constitution underpin U.S. government?
The Constitution underpins the U.S government by laying out what it can and can not do through various articles. It gives the three branches power the government did not have with the Articles.
• 5- Why was the concept of “checks and balances” a novel idea in the 18th century versus today?
Checks and balances were a novel idea because it would ensure that no one branch of government would be too powerful. Today it works to ensure the President or Congress does not do something that is not in their power.
• 6- How does Madison’s concept of checks and balances challenge popular understanding of Montesquieu’s theory of separation of powers?
• 7- Define the following concepts: democratic theory, republicanism, pluralist theory, majoritarianism, and the elitist theory.
Democratic theory is the theory that the government operates under order of it's citizens, which can be given directly or through representatives.
Republicanism is a state operating as a republic and stresses popular sovereignty.
Pluralist theory is the theory that interests groups with political preferences will compete in an organized effort to get things the way they want.
Majoritarianism is the practice that the beliefs of a majority of members in a group should decide the outcome.
The elitist theory is that elite (most likely wealthy and powerful) rule for their own self gain.
• 8- Why did the Anti-Federalists fear the new governmental system?
The Anti-Federalists feared the new governmental system because, to them, the national government held too much power when most of it should have gone to the states. They did not want a strong national government when just recently escaping Britain and King George.
• 9- Does this new federal system strengthen or weaken the concept of separation of powers? Why or why not?
The new governmental system strengthens the concept of separation of powers. It shows that three branches of government can work and not have one branch hold too much strength.
• 10- What are the powers of state and local governments in an era of “new federalism” and devolution?
In an era of "new federalism" and devolution state governments have the power to establish public schools, make laws concerning marriage and divorce, and regulate trade within the state.
• 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 influence over abortion and the environment because any results of these two things are permanent. Education and affirmative action should be state and local issues because the needs of these differ from state to state.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC From the US National Archives on The Commons via Flickr