Poly Sci: Contributions of the Founding Fathers’

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How did John Locke's concept of the social contract influence the Founding Fathers' approach to government?

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It emphasized the need for a government that protects natural rights, influencing the Declaration of Independence.

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Analyze how Montesquieu's advocacy for separation of powers is reflected in the U.S. Constitution.

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By establishing three branches of government with distinct powers and checks and balances.

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Evaluate the impact of the British unitary system on the Founding Fathers' decision to adopt federalism.

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It fostered a distrust of strong central authority, leading to the adoption of federalism to balance power.

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Discuss the reasons why the Articles of Confederation were considered ineffective by the Founding Fathers.

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They resulted in a weak confederation with limited central authority, leading to inefficiency and lack of unity.

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How does federalism address the challenges of governing a large and diverse nation like the United States?

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By allowing states to handle local matters while the federal government manages national issues.

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Analyze the role of the 10th Amendment in the federal system established by the Founding Fathers.

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It reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states, ensuring state sovereignty.

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Evaluate how the concept of checks and balances is integrated into the federal system to prevent any single level of government from dominating.

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By ensuring that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, maintaining a balance of power.

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How did the Founding Fathers' experience with the Articles of Confederation influence their decision to adopt a federal system?

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It highlighted the need for a balance between state and federal powers to ensure efficiency and unity.

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Discuss the significance of enumerated powers in the federal system established by the U.S. Constitution.

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They explicitly list the powers of the federal government, limiting its scope and ensuring state sovereignty.

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Analyze how the Founding Fathers' political philosophies were influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

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They incorporated Enlightenment principles such as natural rights and separation of powers into the foundation of American government.