What are the five principles of American democracy?
1) Americans have basic rights and civil liberties (freedom of speech, assembly, petition, and religion). 2) Americans have the right to know what is happening (freedom of the press). 3) All adults can participate. 4) The people can change the government. 5) The government is responsive to popular will.
Why are democracies considered fragile?
Democracies can fail due to internal and external pressures.They often collapse when leaders subvert democratic institutions, suppress dissent, or concentrate power. Benjamin Franklin argued for a republic because ‘a democracy never lasts long—they tend to kill themselves.’
According to Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, how do democracies die?
Democracies often die not from coups but when elected leaders undermine institutions from within—attacking checks and balances, suppressing opposition, and eroding norms of tolerance and legitimacy. Examples include the Philippines and Venezuela.
What sustains democracies?
Strong constitutions and laws, shared norms of acceptable behavior, ++tolerance of dissent, legitimacy of institutions, and social harmony.
Why do democracies collapse?
They collapse due to intense polarization, delegitimacy, weak economies, strong executives who defy laws, foreign intervention, and populism—as seen in Hitler’s rise by claiming the system was corrupt.
What weaknesses did the Articles of Confederation have?
It established a unicameral legislature, no executive branch, no power to tax or enforce laws, no national court system, and required unanimous consent for amendments. The federal government was weak, leading to collective action problems.
What was the significance of Shays’s Rebellion?
It exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation—showing the need for a stronger national government to maintain order and prevent economic chaos.
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention called by Virginia?
Virginia called for a meeting to amend the Articles of Confederation, not replace them—but the framers used it to design an entirely new Constitution.
What were the Founders’ main goals?
They sought a strong, lasting national government that would prevent tyranny, balance state and federal power, and avoid mob rule. Most were educated, wealthy white men who distrusted direct public sentiment.
Summarize Federalist No. 10 by James Madison.
Madison argued that factions are inevitable due to human nature, but their influence can be controlled through a large republic where many competing interests prevent any single group from dominating.
Summarize Federalist No. 51 by James Madison.
He argued that liberty is best preserved through checks and balances and the separation of powers. Each branch should have the means and motive to resist encroachments by others—’ambition must counteract ambition.’
Summarize Federalist No. 70 by Alexander Hamilton.
Hamilton argued that a strong, energetic, and unitary executive ensures accountability, decisiveness, and protection against foreign and domestic threats.
Summarize Federalist No. 71 by Alexander Hamilton.
Hamilton defended a four-year presidential term as long enough to ensure firmness and independence, yet short enough to avoid tyranny.
Describe the Virginia Plan.
It proposed three branches of government (executive, judiciary, and bicameral legislature). Representation would be based on population. It created a strong central government that could veto state laws and enforce obligations—favored by large states.
Describe the New Jersey Plan.
Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal voting by state and a multiperson executive (with no veto). It expanded Congress’s powers to tax and regulate commerce while safeguarding small-state interests.
Describe the Connecticut (Great) Compromise.
It combined features of both plans: a bicameral legislature with the House elected by population and the Senate giving equal representation to each state. Revenue bills originated in the House, and treaties were ratified by the Senate.
What was the significance of the Electoral College?
It was a compromise to limit direct popular control, balancing large and small state influence in presidential elections.
What is checks and balances?
Each branch of government limits the powers of the others. For example, the president nominates judges (executive check), but the Senate must confirm them (legislative check).
What is the commerce clause?
It grants Congress power to regulate commerce among states and with foreign nations, preventing trade barriers and creating a unified economy.
What is the necessary and proper clause?
It allows Congress to make all laws needed to execute its enumerated powers—expanding its legislative reach over time.
What is the supremacy clause?
It establishes that federal laws take precedence over state laws when both act within their constitutional authority.
What is the ‘take care’ clause?
Article II, Section 3, requires the president to ‘take care that the laws be faithfully executed,’ giving the executive broad power to enforce laws
Define agency loss.
When agents act in their own interest rather than on behalf of the principal who delegated authority to them.
Define agenda control.
The authority to decide which proposals are considered and which are blocked from discussion or voting.
