Unit 4-Foundations Study Guide

Front

What is the basic difference between a limited government and an unlimited government?

Back

A limited government has restraints on its authority; an unlimited government has no restrictions.

Front

What did the Founders want to avoid by creating a limited government? A strong military, High taxes, One person having unrestricted power, A large population

Back

One person having unrestricted power

Answer explanation

The Founders aimed to prevent tyranny by limiting government power, ensuring that no single individual could wield unrestricted authority, which could lead to oppression and abuse of power.

Front

A ____ is where a central power oversees and shares authority with the states, thus creating a limited government

Back

federalism

Answer explanation

A federalism is a system where a central power shares authority with states, ensuring a limited government. This structure allows for both national and regional governance, balancing power effectively.

Front

What did Shays' Rebellion highlight about the Articles of Confederation?

Back

The fact that we needed a stronger national government

Answer explanation

Shays' Rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the inability to maintain order and address economic distress, highlighting the need for a stronger national government.

Front

What idea does the Preamble Support?

Back

The power of the government comes from the people

Answer explanation

The Preamble emphasizes that the government's authority is derived from the consent of the governed, highlighting the principle of popular sovereignty, which supports the idea that the power of the government comes from the people.

Front

The Great Compromise introduced what concept?

Back

Bicameral legislature

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature, which means Congress would have two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. This structure balanced the interests of both large and small states.

Front

The Virginia plan supported what?

Back

Representation by population

Answer explanation

The Virginia Plan advocated for representation based on population, favoring larger states. This meant that states with more people would have more representatives, contrasting with equal representation for all states.

Front

What is the purpose of checks and balances in the government?

Back

To prevent any one branch from gaining too much power

Answer explanation

The purpose of checks and balances is to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power, ensuring that power is distributed and that each branch can limit the others, promoting a balanced government.

Front

The Senate has representatives based on what?

Back

Equal representation from each state.

Answer explanation

The Senate is designed to provide equal representation, with each state having two senators regardless of its population or size. This ensures that all states have an equal voice in the legislative process.

Front

What is the role of the judicial branch?

Back

Interpret the laws

Answer explanation

The judicial branch's primary role is to interpret the laws, ensuring they are applied fairly and consistently. It does not make or enforce laws, which are the responsibilities of the legislative and executive branches, respectively.