Unit 1 Study Guide: Foundations of American Government

The principle of 'separation of powers' as detailed in the U.S. Constitution, which divides the government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, is most directly inspired by which Enlightenment thinker?

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Montesquieu

• Voltaire

The Declaration of Independence's phrase 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness' is a direct reflection of the 'natural rights' philosophy of which thinker?

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Montesquieu

Which philosopher's ideas about the 'social contract' and the 'general will' of the people most align with the concept of popular sovereignty expressed in the U.S. Constitution's preamble, 'We the People'?

• Voltaire

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and speech, is most closely aligned with the principles advocated by which Enlightenment philosopher?

• Thomas Hobbes

• Montesquieu

• Voltaire

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Thomas Hobbes, in Leviathan, argued that people form governments and enter a social contract primarily for what reason, a concept that underlies the basic function of any government?

• To protect their natural rights of life, liberty, and property.

• To escape the chaos of the 'state of nature' and ensure security.

• To express the general will of the people.

• To create a system of checks and balances.

How did the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the practical failures of the Articles of Confederation collectively shape the U.S. Constitution?

• The Declaration's focus on a powerful executive was combined with the Articles' success in state taxation.

• The Declaration's ideals of liberty were balanced with the need for a stronger central government, a weakness exposed by the Articles.

• The Declaration's call for direct democracy was implemented by strengthening the state legislatures as established in the Articles.

• The Declaration's grievance against a king led directly to the complete abolition of any executive branch in both the Articles and the Constitution.

Shay's Rebellion was a critical catalyst for the Constitutional Convention because it demonstrated what specific, fundamental weakness of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

• The government's inability to negotiate treaties with foreign powers.

• The lack of a national judiciary to settle disputes between states.

• The absence of a mechanism for the national government to raise an army and quell domestic uprisings.

What is the most significant philosophical shift regarding the source of governmental authority when comparing the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution?

• From a monarchy to a republic.

• From a system where states were sovereign to one where the people are sovereign.

• From a government with a legislature to one with three branches.

• From a system dependent on foreign aid to one that was economically self-sufficient.

How do the principles of 'establish Justice' and 'insure domestic Tranquility' logically support one another within the Preamble?

• They are conflicting goals, as establishing justice often requires disrupting public order and tranquility.

• They are interconnected; a fair and uniform system of law is essential for preventing internal strife and maintaining a peaceful society.

• The term 'Justice' refers to the court system, while 'domestic Tranquility' refers to the military's role in defense.

• They are independent goals, with 'Justice' focusing on individual rights and 'Tranquility' focusing on state power.

The opening phrase 'We the People' represents a profound shift in political philosophy from the Articles of Confederation. What is the most significant implication of this change?

• It signified that only landowners would be considered full citizens with voting rights.

• It established that the federal government's authority is derived from the citizens themselves, not from the individual states.

• It declared the United States' intention to create a direct democracy rather than a representative republic.

• It confirmed that the new government would be subordinate to the state governments in all matters.