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Foundations of American Government
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1
Question
What type of government did the Articles of Confederation create?
Page 1
Answer
First U.S. government with strong state power and a weak national government.
2
Question
What key powers did the Articles of Confederation lack?
Page 1
Answer
Power to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws.
3
Question
What was the main outcome of the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation?
Page 1
Answer
Showed the need for a stronger federal system, leading to the Constitution.
4
Question
What position did Brutus No. 1 take regarding the Constitution?
Page 1
Answer
Anti-Federalist argument against ratifying the Constitution.
5
Question
What did Brutus No. 1 fear about a large, centralized republic?
Page 1
Answer
It would ignore local needs and take power from states.
6
Question
Which clauses did Brutus No. 1 fear would lead to tyranny?
Page 1
Answer
Necessary and Proper Clause and Supremacy Clause.
7
Question
What core features does the U.S. Constitution establish in government?
Page 1
Answer
Strong federal government with separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.
8
Question
What is the primary purpose of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution?
Page 1
Answer
Protects individual liberties from government abuse.
9
Question
How have subsequent amendments to the Constitution expanded rights?
Page 1
Answer
Expanded voting rights, civil rights, and democratic participation.
10
Question
How did the Declaration of Independence justify breaking from Britain?
Page 1
Answer
Using Locke's natural rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
11
Question
What key claim does the Declaration make about legitimate government?
Page 1
Answer
Governments must gain consent of the governed.
12
Question
Under what condition can government be replaced, per the Declaration?
Page 1
Answer
If it violates rights of the people.
13
Question
What role does the Declaration play in American political ideals?
Page 1
Answer
Foundational statement of American political ideals.
14
Question
According to Federalist No. 10, why is a large republic beneficial regarding factions?
Page 1
Answer
Prevents any single faction from dominating due to diversity of interests.
15
Question
How does diversity of interests in a large republic protect minorities, per Federalist No. 10?
Page 1
Answer
Forces compromise and protects minority rights.
16
Question
What does Federalist No. 10 support for national stability?
Page 1
Answer
Strong federal union to maintain stability.
17
Question
What does Federalist No. 51 explain as protecting liberty?
Page 2
Answer
Checks and balances and separation of powers.
18
Question
Why are government safeguards needed, according to Federalist No. 51?
Page 2
Answer
Because 'if men were angels,' they wouldn't be.
19
Question
What is the design purpose of checks and balances in Federalist No. 51?
Page 2
Answer
Prevent any single branch from gaining too much power.
20
Question
What does Hamilton argue for in Federalist No. 70 regarding the executive?
Page 2
Answer
A single, energetic executive.
21
Question
Why does one president ensure strong leadership, per Federalist No. 70?
Page 2
Answer
Provides accountability, quick decision-making, and strong national leadership.
22
Question
What problem would multiple executives cause, according to Federalist No. 70?
Page 2
Answer
Conflict and weakened government action.
23
Question
How does Federalist No. 78 defend judicial independence?
Page 2
Answer
With life tenure to ensure neutrality.
24
Question
What power do courts have, per Federalist No. 78?
Page 2
Answer
Judicial review to strike down unconstitutional laws.
25
Question
Why is the judiciary the 'least dangerous branch' in Federalist No. 78?
Page 2
Answer
It relies on judgment, not force or money.
26
Question
What does MLK defend in 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail'?
Page 2
Answer
Civil disobedience as necessary when laws are unjust.
27
Question
Why does MLK argue against waiting for change in his Letter?
Page 2
Answer
Waiting only continues injustice—rights must be demanded.
28
Question
How does the 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail' connect to founding principles?
Page 2
Answer
Links equality and justice to the nation's founding democratic principles.