Political Science 155 Introduction to American Government

Dr. Rebecca Britton Fall 2011

QUIZ #1 STUDY GUIDE

Quiz #1 covers half of the assigned course material on the Constitutional framework. (Quiz #2 covers the other half.) Quiz #1 will include 30 multiple choice, true-false, and matching questions. These quizzes are designed to test your knowledge and understanding of the context, process, and outcome of the Constitutional convention of 1787. General Guidelines for study are as follows: Consider the various motivations, interests, and concerns expressed by the framers during debate at the constitutional convention. Also, consider how the convention context influenced the process of drafting the constitution. Know definitions of key concepts. Where appropriate, be able to match passages from the Constitution to the concept reflected in the passage. approaching democracy bicameralism checks and balances elitism federalism order, freedom, equality populism republicanism separation of powers

For all key provisions of the Constitution covered in the course, there is a corresponding location in the Constitution, by Article and Section number or by amendment number. You will be required to know the substance of all key assigned provisions, although memorizing constitution locations by article and section is not required.

Preparation to answer the specific study questions listed below will include reviewing lecture material, assigned readings in the textbook and be perusing passages of the Constitution. The three sources referenced to help your study include: (1) lecture notes (for all questions typed in regular black font), (2) the U.S. Constitution (referred to as USC) and (3) passages within textbook chapters (referred to as TCh, followed by the appropriate page numbers of the 2nd full edition). Remember, questions typed in italics are addressed in reading material only. Major Course Themes 1. 2. What connection does the Constitution have to our study of current political and government processes? What is meant by the expression, approaching democracy?

The Constitution Context 3. What problems existed with the Articles of Confederation and which six goals are mentioned in the preamble of the Constitution?

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What possible motivations or interests of the framers led them to attend the constitutional convention and may have influenced the writing of specific provisions of the Constitution? What were the areas of ready agreement among the framers? What were the sources of greatest conflict?

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Establishing Strong National Government 6. 7. 8. Look over the major areas of policymaking Congress is empowered to govern. (Art. 1, Sec. 8) To whom does the Constitution grant the power to enforce national laws? (USC Art. 2 Sec. 3; TCh 398) Where is judicial power vested under the Constitution? (USC Art. 3)

Five Major Compromises at the Framing 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. What were the key provisions of the Great Compromise? (USC Art. 1, Sec.1-3, 7; TCh 37-39) What were the key provisions of the Electoral College compromise? (USC Art. 1, Sec. 1; TCh 40-41) What were the key provisions of the Trade Policy compromise? (USC Art. 1, Sec. 8-10) Which provisions in the Constitution reflect Northern capitulation to Southern interests on the slavery issue? What was the key provision of the Three-Fifths Compromise? (USC Art. 1, Sec. 2; TCh 42) What were the key elements of the Bill of Rights compromise? (USC Amendments 1-10; TCh 44-46)

The Practical application of Philosophical Values 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. How is the Constitution an example of republicanism? What recommended governing strategy of John Lockes is reflected in the Constitutions distribution of power? What 3 governing concepts reflect the framers attempt to fragment government power in order to prevent government from becoming a source of tyranny? (TCh 8, 34) What is the term length for each national office: House, Senate, President, and Federal Judge? (USC Art. 1, Sec. 2-3, Art. 2, Sec. 1, Art. 3, Sec. 1) Who has the power to bring impeachment charges against the president? Who has the power to conduct all impeachment trials?(TCh 27) Who presides over the impeachment trial of the president? (USC Art. 1 Sec. 3) Under what circumstances can a president kill a bill by doing nothing? (USC Art. 1 Sec. 7; TCh 382)

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Adaptability of the Constitution Over Time 21. 22. 23. 24. What 3 mechanisms enable our Constitution to adapt over time as our nations fundamental governing document? (USC Art. 5; TCh 53-57) What are two ways in which an amendment to the Constitution can be proposed? What are two ways a proposed amendment can be ratified? (USC Art. 5; TCh 54-55) Of what importance is the Marbury v. Madison decision to the interpretation power of the Supreme Court? (TCh 56, 188-89) What is the power of judicial review? How did a landmark Supreme Court decision establish this power? (TCh 188-189)

Who, What, When, Why, and How? 25. 26. 27. 28. What is the basic topic of each of the original seven articles of the Constitution. (USC) What is deficit spending? (USC Art. 1, Sec. 9; TCh 563) Which branch is responsible for such spending? (USC Art. 1 Sec. 8; TCh 563) What are the qualifications to hold office for the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate, and President. (USC Art. 1 Sec, 2-3, Art. 2 Sec 1; TCh 266) The original House of Representatives was designed with how many seats? How many people were represented by each member? (USC Art. 1 Sec. 2). Today, how many people are represented by each House member? (TCh 353)