AP U.S.

Government and Politics Summer Assignment

Name Olivia Checchio

(Note: the Selection numbers are the numbers in the table of contents of the selection) Reading Summary This selection discusses De Tocquevilles studies while he was in Selection #1: De America. He talks about how America has many advantages Tocquevilles because of how it was set up. Because American is a young Democracy in country, we can examine it from its establishment. There is no America (pp. 3-6) hierarchy lifestyle because everyone is coming over and starting anew. He discusses Americas showing of democracy before the official democracy was even formed. In this selection Bryce discusses how he views equality present in America. He talks about how we have status equality, there are celebrities and people of importance, and though they are highly respected and get perks, they are not considered a better race and they can not buy rank, as was shown in Great Britain. People, status aside, are considered equal. In this selection Hofstadter talks about how the founding fathers believed that all people are inherently untrustworthy and need a government to steer them in the right direction. Because they had just come from a monarchy, the knew they needed to establish a republic with an extensive system of checks and balances to make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to. Liberty is not democracy. Madison discusses the idea of factions and how they are bad but we cant get rid of them because they are somewhat caused by liberty. Factions in the minority are ok, but factions in the majority are bad, because a faction occurs when a single group takes control of the government and its processes. Also written by Madison, in this article he discusses the need for a divided government so the power is distributed amongst the branches. Each section is administered by itself with the ability to choose its members. This prevents one person from taking full control, and it controls factions. Americans are not giving up liberties to one government outlet, but 3, this way no one unit can become much too powerful.

Selection #2: Bryces The American Commonwealth (pp. 710)

Selection #8: Hofstadters The American Political Tradition (pp. 43-48)

Selection #9: Madisons Federalist No. 10 (pp. 49-55)

Selection #15: Madisons Federalist No. 51 (pp. 97-100)

Selection #18: Madisons Federalist Nos. 39 and 46 (pp. 117-120)

In this selection Madison talks about how America isnt completely federal or national, but rather a mix of both. We have constitutions ratified by each state, proportional representatives, equal senators, the electoral college that gives proper proportion to the weight of votes in the presidential election, and a set of laws that everyone follows. Written by Hamilton, this selection discusses the judicial branch and how it is not as important or influential as the other branches, however it still must remain independent of the legislative and executive, so no one branch has all that power. If the judicial branch didnt exist than the legislative branch would be basically self-governing, which is bad, and the reason why we have checks and balances, judicial keeps legislative in check because they have the power of deeming laws unconstitutional, among other things.

Selection #41: Hamiltons Federalist No. 78 (pp. 283-286)

Part III. The Constitution Use the Constitution in the back of the textbook (starting on p. A4) for this part. The Preamble According to the Preamble, what are the purposes of the new government? The Preamble states that the purpose of the new government is to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty. The Preamble is basically just telling the people that in America they are going to have the liberties, freedoms, and protection that they came for. Article I Name the 2 branches of the legislature. What are they jointly called? The Senate and the House of Representatives create the 2 branches of the legislature, they are jointly called Congress. List the qualifications to be a member of the House of Representatives and the qualifications to be a Senator. Senate: To become a member of the US Senate, a person must be 30 years of age or older, must be a citizen of the US for at least 9 years, and must live in the state that they are elected to represent. House of Representatives: To become a member of the House, a person must be 25 years of age or older, must be a citizen of the US for at least 7 years, and must live in the state that they are elected to represent.

Section 8 of Article I is seen as the most important section. Why do you think this is so? I believe that section 8 of Article I is seen are the most important section because it states that powers of Congress and the things they have the power to do and the things they arent allowed to do. It ensures that they are not given too much power, but also gives them enough power to keep other the other branches in check as well. Article II Describe the qualifications of the President and Vice President For a person to be eligible to run for President or Vice President they must have been born in the United States, must be 35 years of age or older, and must have lived in the US for a minimum of 14 years. In order to be voted as President (Vice President is chosen by the Presidential candidate), the candidate must have the majority of votes in the electoral college, which doesnt necessarily mean that they will win with a majority state vote. What are the constitutional duties of the president? The President is the commander in chief of the US Armed forces and National Guard, he makes treaties and peace agreements with other countries, and has the power to appoint people to office, like Supreme Court judges, cabinet members and ambassadors. Article III Based on the information in Article III, why do you think federal judges serve life terms? Federal judges serve life terms because Article III states that they can continue to be a judge as long as they continue to display appropriate behavior and act accordingly. If they had to be reinstated every time the political party changed, they could be making decisions based on the fact that they dont want to be fired. This law was written into the Constitution so the judges can remain impartial in their verdicts and not be swayed. What is treason? Treason is basically betrayal to the US, which is seen in different forms, an example being joining wars or organizations against the US (terrorism). Article IV How are new states admitted to the Union? Congress has the power to admit new states into the Union. A new state cannot be formed over lines of previously existing states, and if two states, say North and South Dakota were to combine to form one large Dakota, Congress has the power to confirm or deny it.

 What is a republican form of government? A republican form of government occurs when people give power to a set of representatives that have similar views and will be the peoples voice in the government. Article V Describe how to amend the Constitution. Congress must have a 2/3 majority vote in either the Senate or House in order to ask to amend the Constitution, to amend it, 3/4 of Congress must approve the suggested change. Article VI Explain the supremacy clause in your own words. The supremacy law basically says that states cannot defy the rules of the US Constitution. Article VII Explain how the Constitution was ratified. The Constitution can be ratified with a 9/13 or higher vote from 13 states who accept the new terms of the Constitution and will agree to follow it. The Amendments Fill in the chart below to explain what each of the amendments does. Use your own words do not simply copy what the Constitution says! Amendment Date Description Added December The first amendment protects basic freedoms such as free First 15, 1791 speech and religion. December Protects a persons right to bare arms and have an organized Second 15, 1791 militia. December A person cannot be forced to let a soldier into their house Third 15, 1791 during times of peace or war. December A person cannot be searched or have property taken away Fourth 15, 1791 from them without valid reasoning December A person cannot be held without a conviction of a crime, and Fifth 15, 1791 cannot be tried twice for the same crime. December Right to a speedy trial, fair jury, and defense council. Basically Sixth 15, 1791 protects peoples rights while on trial. December Every civil court case that is greater than 20 dollars must have Seventh 15, 1791 a jury. December No person can be subjected to cruel or unfair punishment. Eighth 15, 1791 December Protects peoples unenumerated rights implied by other laws. Ninth 15, 1791

Tenth Eleventh Twelfth Thirteenth Fourteenth Fifteenth

December 15, 1791 February 7, 1795 June 15, 1804 December 6, 1865 July 9, 1868 February 3, 1870

Limits power of federal government, power the federal government doesnt have is given to the states to decide. A citizen from a foreign country cant sue the US. The Electoral College chooses the President and Vice President. Abolishment of slavery. Each citizen is equally protected under the law, states cant pass laws that jeopardize a persons life, liberty, or prosperity. The right to vote cannot be denied because of a persons race, color or previous conditions of servitude (slavery); congress has the power to enforce this. Congress has the power to create and collect tax on income. Deals with the election of US Senators (2 from each state for 6 years), filling of senate vacancies, and qualifications of the elections. (Prohibition) Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or transportation of alcohol. The right to vote cannot be denied because of a persons sex.

February Sixteenth 7, 1913 April 8, Seventeenth 1913 January 16, 1920 August 18, 1920 January 23, 1933

Eighteenth Nineteenth Twentieth

Twenty First Twenty Second Twenty Third Twenty Fourth Twenty Fifth

Notes the terms of presidents (begins at noon on the 20th of January) and Senators/Representatives (begins at noon on the 3rd of January). Determines how to fill presidential vacancies and also highlights the powers of Congress. December Repeal of 18th (Prohibition). 5, 1933 February 27, 1951 March 29, 1961 January 23, 1964 February 10, 1967 Limits the number of terms a president can serve (2). Gives electors to the District of Columbia Citizens cannot be denied the right to vote based on failure to pay poll tax or any other tax. Details the succession of Vice to Presidency in the event of impeachment, death, or resignation and the Vice assuming presidential duties if the President himself is for whatever reason unable.

Twenty Sixth Twenty Seventh

July 1, 1971 May 7, 1992

Citizens who are 18 years or older cannot be denied the right to vote. Prohibits laws that increase/decrease the salary of members of Congress from taking effect until the start of the next set of terms of office.

General Constitution Questions The powers of the government that are specifically granted to the branches of government and the office holders are called express powers. o Identify two express powers of the president: -The President is the commander in chief of the armed forces -He can grant reprieves or pardons to those who have committed federal offenses, -he can make treaties, -appoint ambassadors, -and approve legislation. o Identify two express powers of the Congress: -Congress has many powers, including power to organize federal courts below the Supreme court, -Organize and discipline militia, -and govern federal capital.

According to the system of checks and balances, each branch of government must have control over the other branches. Look back at the first three articles and find an example of the following checks: o Executive branch checks legislative branch: The President can veto bills Congress passes. o Executive branch checks judicial branch: The President chooses which judges serve in the Supreme Court. o Legislative branch checks executive branch: Congress can pass a bill the president vetoed with a 2/3 majority vote. o Legislative branch checks judicial branch: Congress determines the size of the Supreme Court, can establish or get rid of lower federal courts, and can overturn court decisions. o Judicial branch checks executive branch: During a case the Supreme Court can deem a law (which the president passed) unconstitutional, which means it is no longer is valid.

Judicial branch checks legislative branch: During a case the Supreme Court can deem a law (which Congress created) unconstitutional, which means it is no longer is valid.

Part IV. The Foundations of Government Use Chapters 1-3 of the textbook to answer this part. 1. What is political power and how does it relate to the concepts of authority and legitimacy? Political Power is the usage of power in the government. This deals with authority because although political power exists, all persons cannot have the right to utilize it. Legitimacy is linked to this, because it deals with how the law is authority in the political system. 2. What is the difference between a pure democracy and a representative democracy? The difference lies in the execution of the decisions. In a pure democracy there is a meeting where all the people vote and a representative democracy elects representatives to make the decisions and votes for the people. 2a. Why would a pure democracy not work in the U.S. today? The United States is simply too large for a pure democracy to work. A pure democracy depends on the involvement of every person; this means all the citizens of the US. Not only are there too many people for it to be even remotely realistic to organize, but with so many people it would also be hard to come to a decision, which is why we use a representative democracy, where the people get a chance to vote for a representative whos beliefs and wishes most match theirs. 2b. What forms of pure democracy exist within the current U.S. representative democracy? Congress is a good example of a pure democracy existing amongst our representative democracy, because every member of Congress conjugates together and votes on bills and laws together, whilst being representatives. So you have the idea of everyone getting their say, but condensing it to only involve the few hundred congress members as opposed to the few hundred million people in our country.

3. Fill in the chart below to explain the four theories of elite influence in government: Theory Associated With (or Description started by) A theory/practice of socialism; the concept Marxist Karl Marx that class struggle plays a role in understanding that society will inevitably go from oppressing middle class under capitalism to classless socialism. Government staffed with unelected officials that aims to bring success and do its job with the least cost and spending. A government controlled by military leaders and few political leaders. No politicians; the government is ruled by people who are not in the government. Political resources should be divided into many different groups. Everyone has a say and a voice.

Bureaucratic

Max Weber

Power Elite (or Elitist)

C. Wright Milles

Pluralist

No one leader

4. What are unalienable rights? Unalienable rights are rights which people are born with that cannot be taken away by the government; for example, life, liberty, and property. 5. The Declaration of Independence is divided into three parts. What are these three parts? The first is a statement of individual rights; the second is a list of grievances against King of England George III (reasons why colonists were angry with the King and his government in the first place, like how things were forced on them, like religion), and the final part is a formal written declaration of independence which separates the colonial government from the British, making us our own country. 6. Name three weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and explain how they were fixed in the Constitution. 1. Each state only has one vote in Congress, regardless of the population. This misrepresents the public interest and was fixed by giving states adequate representation of their population in Congress. 2. No federal judicial system, which was fixed by creating the Supreme Court.

3. Finally, the nation was run by individual states with no national power to keep all the states together, so the system of checks and balances was created to monitor power and create balance between federal and state power. 7. How did the constitutions of the states and Shays Rebellion influence the Framers of the Constitution? We see in Shays Rebellion how Massachusetts was able to create a militia and threaten the state government; this shows a need for a higher power that must be answered to, a national higher authority that would prevent events like this from happening. Briefly summarize the Virginia and New Jersey Plans and explain how they led to the Great Compromise. The Virginia Plan introduced the idea of separation of government into branches and fair representation for states. The New Jersey Plan suggested each state get its own vote, naturally, because they were a smaller state in population at the time. Eventually this lead to the creation of Congress through the Great Compromise, where the Senate has two representatives from every state, and the House has representatives based on population.
8.

9. In addition to the Great Compromise, several other compromises were made before the Constitution was ratified. For each of the following, explain what the problem was and the solution compromised on: Problem Some believed Congress should Election of a decide who becomes president; President others thought we should vote in a direct democracy. Different term lengths were Length of suggested: life term, 7 years, 3 Presidential Term years and possibility of reelection. Some believed the President Choosing of should decide the court justices, Supreme Court others by the Senate. Justices Issue Compromise Establishment of the electoral college system.

Decided upon a 4-year term with ability to be reelected.

Decided to have the President nominate the court justices, and then have Senate approve them.

10. What is the difference between federalism and separation of powers? Federalism is when the government is divided into several state powers and one national power; the power is shared. The separation of powers is the division of the government into 3 branches (legislative, judicial, and executive) that have their own tasks and rules; the power is divided. 11. What were some of the major concerns the Anti-Federalists had with the Constitution? The Anti-Federalists feared that the Constitution granted too much power to the national government and limited the power of the people. They felt that this power would cause a separation between the government and the people, and the people would not get their voices heard or their needs granted. 11a. How did the Federalists address these concerns? Hamilton, Madison and Jay created the Federalist Papers, which summarized the Constitution, giving clarity and an explanation on the intent of the Constitution, and was there to help the ratification process. 12. Explain the following terms in your own words: - Habeas Corpus Protects citizens from unfair state action, everyone who is charged with a crime is brought to a court of law. - Bill of attainder This law convicts and charges people of crimes committed without trial, under Habeas Corpus this law is void. - Ex Post Facto Laws This law changes the punishment of an offense after the crime is committed, under Habeas Corpus this law is void. 13. Although the Constitution never mentions the word slavery, the concept of slavery is referred to three times in the Articles of the Constitution. What are the three ways the Framers referred to slavery without actually saying the word slavery? The words slave and slavery were not used, instead, the Constitution said other persons or persons held to service or labor, and referred to the slave trade as importation of persons. 14. What is the difference between a unitary system, a confederacy, and a federal system? -Unitary: Is kind of like a hierarchy of power, which starts with the federal government, then state, then citizens. -Federal: Federal and state share power and authority. -Confederacy: Some powers are held in the State, others in the federal government.

How did the case of McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) give more power to the federal government? This case challenged the issue of national and state authority, the Supreme Court decided that it was constitutional to establish a federal institution, and the government has the power to overrule state governments by preventing the state from messing with a federal organization.
15.

16. What is dual federalism? Is a theory where the national and state governments exist as different entities and govern themselves, and the national authority rules by enumerated powers only, and have a limited set of constitutional purposes. Each entity is sovereign within the realm of its own operations and the relationship between state and national is more tenuous than peaceful. 17. Explain how grants in aid have changed over the past 50 years. Make sure you explain categorical grants vs. block grants (revenue sharing). The government first starting giving grants for specific areas of need and then moved onto block grants, which aid communities through a system of funding. Throughout the past 50 years, the distribution of funds has shifted, as they are needed.

18. How do mandates affect the grants given to the states? Mandates prioritize funds, which go toward meeting the mandates. If there is vagueness in mandate legislation aid agencies have the freedom to decide where to move and spend the funds. Is the idea of devolution a good idea or not? Explain your answer. I think that devolution is a good idea for the major reason that the state knows its people and its needs more than the federal government does. Devolution lessens the power and authority of the federal government, thus providing the state with more room to provide and attend to the citizens of that particular state.
19.

20.Where is sovereignty located in the American political system? We were founded on the idea of sovereignty, we manage to have a balance between state and national government, but at the end of the day these are institutions apart of a democracy that is meant to represent the people and what they want, so though we have a distribution of power, ultimately the people are still the driving force of the country.