Lecture #10

Question 1

Republican Government

Answer 1

Authority in the people, elected representatives

Question 2

Coercion

Answer 2

Persuasion via force or threat
-Legal penalties, physical force, psychological pressure

Question 3

Political economy

Answer 3

How economic theories and practices intersect with political institutions and processes
-How political forces influence economic policies and outcomes

Question 4

Confederation

Answer 4

Union of states that come together for a common purpose while retaining individual sovereignty
-South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee

Question 5

Multiplicity of Laws

Answer 5

Numerous laws that cover similar/overlapping areas
-can cause confusion and inconsistency in interpretation and enforcement

Question 6

Mutability

Answer 6

Capacity of laws to change over time
-allows for adaptation (amendments) but can have confusion in changing regulations

Question 7

Why does Madison think coercion is a necessary power of government?

Answer 7

It’s essential for maintaining order and ensuring compliance with laws protecting the rights of the community

Question 8

Is Madison’s primary concern the national government or the states? Why?

Answer 8

Both, he wanted strengthened nations government and state sovereignty
-to control factions and avoid tyranny

Question 9

What does Adams mean by “an empire of laws, and not of men?”

Answer 9

The importance of rule of law, equal justice and order
-the country is run by laws and not the whim of those in order

Question 10

What benefits come from making an assembly a “portrait of the people at large?”

Answer 10

*understanding of Diversity, civic engagement, informed decision-making, cohesion

Question 11

Why does Adams feel that a government in a single assembly is dangerous?

Answer 11

-Concentrated power=tyranny
-Lack of Checks and Balances
-Vulnerability to rationalism
-absence of Diverse perspectives
-Historical Example

Question 12

According to Adams, what is the goal of an ideal government and what are the means of achieving that goal?

Answer 12

Welfare, provided by allowing citizens sufficient liberty to achieve happiness