Merica!!!!!
- What is the purpose of the government?
- A system that gives power to orders of institutions that create and conduct public policy, to give power to an overall system and control over a society. There are many types of government: Autocracy(rule by one), Oligarchy(rule by elite), Democracy(rule by the people).
- What was the founders' view of the purpose of government and the role of the citizen in the American Republic?
- the founders' views of purpose of this democratic government was to give control to the people and to prevent a monarch from rule and the role of the people are to be smart and wise in voting in the officials to represent them and to when they do vote directly on topics, to be responsible to be involved in their country.
- Are these views still relevant at the close of the millennium?
- Yes, very, especially today, the constitution was made very well to this date. Because, with technology and the puplic becoming more and more "speakative", different topics have arisen that were not present then. For example, they did not have cameras then that did not catch everything to be used to sue or just general opinions that have become more and more prominant.
- How does the constitution underpin U.S. government?
- The U.S. constitution underpins the U.S. Gov. by giving the power to the people and freedom actually being accesible. It outlines the limits of the gov. and protects the people from the gov. and also gives order. The government would not be there without the constitution. It basically set up the the gov. to a semi-smallest details.
- Why was the concept of "checks and balances" a novel idea in the 18th century versus today?
- Due to the age and technology, the 18th century was not connected like today. It was created and used to prevent one branch from overthrowing the others and becoming to large that it rules the government and prevent an Oligarchy. In a way now, it is a little hard, for example, it is difficult to pass certains laws and sometimes, those laws are for the good.
- How does Madison's concept of checks and balances challenge popular understanding of Montesquieu's theory of separation of powers?
- Montesquieu's theory of seperation of powers states that different branches have different responsabilities and dutys. That alone is unsafe for the government and its people. When Madison's concept of checks and balances comes in, it gives security to the nation and states that each branch has the power to over rule one like "rock, paper, scissors". This prevents each power from ruling and keeps balance.
- Define the following concepts: democratic theory, republicanism, pluralist theory, majoritatianism, and the elitist theory.
- The democratic theory is that the government is dependent on the constent of the governed; directly or by representatives.
- Republicanism is a form of government in which power is in the people and is exercised by their elected representatives.
- The pluralist theory is the idea that Intrest groups complete politically for their own motives and ways. The different groups(democrats and republicans) are the intrest groups.
- Majoritatianism is the belief that overall way of running the government is that the majority of the people vote on topics.
- The Elitist theory is the idea that only few officials control the government and support their own ideas and paths.
- Why did the Anti-Federalists fear the new governmental system?
- Because of the past experiences with the king and his tyranny, they feared the constitution and the stronger power it gave over the states. They wanted a weak government and very strong states and did not want a president because of fear of a monarchy.
- Does the new federal system strengthen or weaken the concept of separation of powers? Why or why not?
- It stregthens it because of how the branches can overthrow each other and and it gives delegated powers to the federal and state governments. This gives balance and promotes equality.
- What are the powers of state and local governments in an era of "new federalism" and devolution?
- They get fiscal benefits, but in return, are responsible for past federal dutys and are introduced into new events that they carry out.
- What influence should the federal government have over state and local issues such as education, affirmative action, abortion, and the environment?
- Unless it is specified in the federal delegated powers, then none, due to the reserved powers basis. But there are ways that the government "persuades" state governments into doing what they want. The feds can say "do this, and if not, then you will not recieve funding for this". This is one of many ways that the government inches around the contitutional powers and restraints.