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Foundations of American Democracy
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1
Question
What is the social contract in the context of American democracy?
Page 1
Answer
A philosophical idea that individuals consent to form a government to protect their rights.
2
Question
Who are the key philosophers associated with Enlightenment ideas influencing American democracy?
Page 1
Answer
John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Baron de Montesquieu.
3
Question
How are Enlightenment ideas reflected in American founding documents?
Page 1
Answer
They are reflected in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and principles of democracy.
4
Question
What is the consent of the governed?
Page 1
Answer
The idea that a government's authority comes from the approval of the people it governs.
5
Question
What is limited government according to John Locke's ideas?
Page 1
Answer
The principle that government power should be restricted to protect individual rights, as stated in the Declaration of Independence.
6
Question
What are checks and balances in the U.S. government?
Page 1
Answer
A system where the three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—limit each other's powers.
7
Question
What is the rule of law?
Page 1
Answer
The principle that laws apply equally to everyone, including government officials.
8
Question
What is due process as protected by the Fifth Amendment?
Page 1
Answer
A legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person, preventing arbitrary denial of life, liberty, or property.
9
Question
What does the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause mean?
Page 1
Answer
It requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all people within their jurisdiction.
10
Question
What is popular sovereignty?
Page 1
Answer
The principle that the authority of government is created and sustained by the consent of the people.
11
Question
What is federalism?
Page 1
Answer
A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, like states.
12
Question
What are natural rights and natural law?
Page 1
Answer
Inherent rights to life, liberty, and property that exist independently of government, based on universal moral principles.
13
Question
What are natural rights? Give examples.
Page 2
Answer
Inherent rights of individuals including life, liberty, and property.
14
Question
What is limited government in practice?
Page 2
Answer
A system that divides powers between national and state levels and courts to prevent abuse.
15
Question
What is personal liberty?
Page 2
Answer
Freedom from government interference, protected by the Constitution.
16
Question
What are examples of individual rights?
Page 2
Answer
Religion, speech, and press freedoms.
17
Question
What is republicanism?
Page 2
Answer
A form of government in which power resides in elected representatives accountable to the people.
18
Question
What protects against government tyranny?
Page 2
Answer
The Constitution, which limits government actions.
19
Question
What is the difference between civil liberties and civil rights?
Page 2
Answer
Civil liberties are protections from government overreach; civil rights ensure equality and prevent discrimination.
20
Question
What limits civil rights?
Page 2
Answer
Government actions that provide security, prevent crime, and ensure equality.
21
Question
What is the purpose of elections?
Page 2
Answer
A mechanism for selecting leaders and ensuring government accountability.
22
Question
What does Article I of the Constitution establish?
Page 3
Answer
The legislative branch, including Congress with its powers.
23
Question
What does Article II of the Constitution cover?
Page 3
Answer
The executive branch, led by the President.
24
Question
What does Article III of the Constitution define?
Page 3
Answer
The judicial branch, including the Supreme Court and federal courts.
25
Question
What is Article IV about?
Page 3
Answer
Relations between states, including full faith and credit.
26
Question
What does Article V describe?
Page 3
Answer
The process for amending the Constitution.
27
Question
What is the supremacy clause in Article VI?
Page 3
Answer
It establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
28
Question
What are the roles of the three branches?
Page 3
Answer
Legislative makes laws, executive enforces them, judicial interprets them.
29
Question
What is the federal court system?
Page 3
Answer
Courts handling cases involving federal law, including district, appeals, and Supreme Court.
30
Question
Which amendments address slavery and equality?
Page 3
Answer
13th (ends slavery), 14th (equal protection), 15th (voting rights for Black men), 19th (women's suffrage).