American Government Unit 1 Review

Front

According to Locke’s Social Contract Theory, what do individuals voluntarily give up when they enter a society? What is the government obligated to do for them?

Back

Individuals give up certain freedoms for protection and order; the government is obligated to protect their rights.

Front

What is the ultimate source of our (the U.S.) government’s power?

Back

The ultimate source of power is the consent of the governed.

Front

Who wrote the book Two Treatises of Government and had a significant impact on the ideas of Thomas Jefferson?

Back

John Locke.

Front

What are the major beliefs outlined in the Declaration of Independence? (List at least 3)

Back

1. All men are created equal. 2. Unalienable rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness). 3. Government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Front

At what point does Jefferson say that people have the right and duty to abolish their current form of government?

Back

When the government becomes destructive to the rights of the people.

Front

What were some of the major grievances listed against the King in the Declaration of Independence? (List at least 3)

Back

1. Imposing taxes without consent. 2. Denying the right to trial by jury. 3. Maintaining standing armies in peacetime.

Front

What type of government best describes the United States?

Back

A federal republic.

Front

Describe how the governmental powers are distributed between the US Government and the state governments.

Back

Powers are divided between federal and state governments, with some powers reserved for states and others exclusive to the federal government.

Front

What were the Articles of Confederation? What was wrong with them?

Back

The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the U.S.; they created a weak central government that lacked the power to tax or regulate commerce.

Front

What was the Constitutional Convention?

Back

A meeting in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and draft the U.S. Constitution.