East Penn Academic Government Notes

The framers tried to eliminate corruption, debate only important issues, and do so in a timely matter. Legislative Branch It's tedious to get a bill passed because there are several steps and opportunities for it to be changed, rejected, or forgotten. Executive Branch President has the power to veto a bill, thereby sending it back to Congress. President can also pocket veto. This is when Congress is adjourned for ten days after the bill is submitted. Judicial Branch Judicial review means the court has the power to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action. Limitations of President Cannot directly propose legislation, except for special messages like State of the Union. Congress can also override a presidential decision with a two-thirds vote. Limitations of Judicial Branch They can only review cases dealing with constitutionality or federal law. Ways Congress Blocks Legislation An Amendment is passed overruling a law A State passes a bi...

These documents supported the Constitution. James Madison was the author of these papers. Factions were created as a result of these papers. They are the minority or majority of a larger group and share common interests or beliefs, along with a common goal or set of goals. Their interests are self-serving. 🇺🇸 Madison's Message A republican system protects against factions. Large country size and various levels of government are important. Majorities should not rule outright.  Factionalism Can result in oppression if one faction becomes completely dominant over the others. As long as the government is structured correctly, domination of one group is less likely and it slows government down.

Organization The representatives unanimously chose Gorge Washington to preside over the meetings. Each state had one vote and only a simple majority was needed to make the decisions. The public and press were not allowed at the meetings to allow these representatives to speak freely. Virginia Plan Strong national legislature with two chambers.  Strong national executive to be chosen by the national legislature. National judiciary to be appointed by the legislature. New Jersey Plan This plan called for government based on keeping many features of the Articles: Unicameral legislature with one vote per state Focused on the equality of small states within the government Simply intended to amend Articles Connecticut Compromise Also known as Great Compromise Legislative branch would have two parts: House of Reprepresentives with state representation based on population Senate with two members from each state Originally, state legislatures would elec...

A 1777 committee appointed by Congress created the Articles. The Articles gave Congress the power to deal with the country's affairs and to solve disputes among states. However, the Articles created a weak government in which sovereign state governments possessed all the power. This government lacked: Power to collect taxes Power to regulate trade Ability to enforce laws Possibility of passing laws 9 out of 13 states needed o approve a bill An executive branch A national court system Ability to eliminate quarreling between states

Why does war happen? Colonists in North America were British subjects. The French and Indian War imposed a large debt upon the colonists.  King George III levies high taxes on the colonies to pay for the war, and the British tighten their grip on the colonies. Stamp Act of 1765 imposed the first direct tax upon the colonists. The Townshend Act of 1767 created duties on glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. The Tea Act of 1773, which taxed tea, created the Boston Tea Party. The Intolerable Acts were a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 after the Boston Tea party. It was meant to punish the Massachusetts colonists for their defiance. After these causes... Stamp Act and Intolerable Acts cause Americans to feel more united in their hostility towards Britain. It was initially only protesting and petitioning King George because no majority wanted independence early on. Stamp Act Congress A meeting in 1765 in New York to disc...

Importance of Early Theories Divine Right Theory The notion that a higher power has chosen certain individuals to rule absolutely over a group. Magna Carta Issues between King John of England and his barons over his absolute rule. King John is faced with an unbeatable foe. Establishes in writing the principle of limited government. It provided against loss of life, liberty, and property. It initiated the creation of a parliamentary system. English Civil War Set the precedent that monarchs cannot govern without Parliament's consent. Thomas Hobbes His ideas supported government under a single sovereign authority. Glorious Revolution In 1689, the English Bill of Rights was passed by parliament. It represented the end of the concept of the divine right of kings. John Locke Said that government fails to preserve the rights of people, which breaks the "social contract". American Colonies Written constitutions guaranteed basic liberties a...

Who gets the say in government? Dictatorships Have power and authority to set rule rests with a single individual, including social, economic, political, and military policy. Totaliarian dictatorship Ideas of the leader are glorified and all aspects of the countryś functions are controlled through him. Absolute monarchy King, queen, or emporor has the supreme power to rule their people. This role is often hereditary. Military dictatorship Forms when a leader uses the military to enforce their rule. This is more likely to lead to an erosion of civil liberties for its citizens. Republic / Indirect democracy Decisions in government are made by leaders who have acquired power by competing for the people's vote. Voters ultimately serve as the source of the government's authority. Direct democracy When most or all citizens participate directly in making policy and govern themselves.