Learning Objectives
1) Compare how various models of representative democracy are reflected through major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S.
-Participatory: is a democracy where everyone (or every citizen) can participate. In the United States it would be difficult to employ this model of democracy because there is simply too many people! However, it can be observed to an extent at the state level with Referendum, Recall, and Initiative which allows the public (to a small extent) participate in government decisions.
-Pluralist: Government where competing interest groups/factions/parties debate over the appropriate actions the govern the country. In the United States we see two main parties that demonstrate a pluralist democracy (the republicans and democrats).
-Elite: Government that is run by powerful individuals. It is debatedly seen in the U.S. government since all congressman and presidents are rich, powerful, and/or large business owners.
2)Analyze and compare democratic ideals reflected in U.S. foundational documents.
Brutus 1 argued that a smaller government would be best because with a smaller group in charge, there would be less clash over ideals. While, Federalist 10 said that a larger republic would be better because a larger group would create a greater diversity of ideas which would better represent the variety of the people.
3) Compare and interpret Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on central government and democracy.
Federalists liked central government, whereas anti-federalists did not. anti-federalists thought that the government had to much power.
Federalist wanted the constitution because they believed it was better to have a strong central government to protect the nation and solve domestic issues whereas anti-federalists did not want the constitution and wanted strong state governments because they felt like the central government would become too strong. Federalist felt like the checks and balances would keep this from happening however anti-federalist felt like there should still be a Bill of Rights to protect the people.
4) Explain the relationship between key provisions of the Articles of Confederation and the debate over granting greater power to the federal government formerly reserved to the states.
Under the AoC, each state had 1 vote which left the nation basically powerless. Also, fear of falling under and monarch left the country without a leader.
5) Analyze causes and effects of constitutional compromises in addressing political, economic, and regional divisions.
The north and south had differences that resulted in compromises. one outstanding compromise was the 3/5ths compromise, which made slaves count as three-fifths of a person.
6) Explain how the issues raised in the ratification debate are reflected in ongoing philosophical disagreements about democracy and governmental power.
Some in question right now is Gay Marriage. States recognize this right but federal have problem due to religious nut jobs in congress opposing same sex marriage.
7) Evaluate the relationship between separation of powers and checks and balances.
Separation of powers and checks and balances are very important parts of the government in the United States. Both of these ensure that no branch of government becomes too powerful. Separation of powers gives certain branches different responsibilities than there branches so that no branch gets to make all the decisions. Checks and balances lets some branches "check" other branches to keep the in line and prevent them from getting stronger than the other branches.
8)Assess how the distribution of powers among three federal branches affects policy making
Congress creates the laws, the POTUS enacts the laws, and the Supreme Court reviews the laws. So, every branch is needed to make a law exist.
9) Explain how and why the appropriate balance of power between national and state governments has been interpreted differently over time.
Dual vs. Cooperative Federalism. State and central governments both want the power and both believe they should have it.
10) Analyze questions over the allocation and scope of central power within a federal structure.
Example of this is the Legalization of marijuana and gun regulation. Some state want legal marijuana while the fed considers it a crime. High shootings had increase and raise concern for the state making it strict on regulation but government still upheld the 2nd amendment to be above all even after the school shootings.
1) Compare how various models of representative democracy are reflected through major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S.
-Participatory: is a democracy where everyone (or every citizen) can participate. In the United States it would be difficult to employ this model of democracy because there is simply too many people! However, it can be observed to an extent at the state level with Referendum, Recall, and Initiative which allows the public (to a small extent) participate in government decisions.
-Pluralist: Government where competing interest groups/factions/parties debate over the appropriate actions the govern the country. In the United States we see two main parties that demonstrate a pluralist democracy (the republicans and democrats).
-Elite: Government that is run by powerful individuals. It is debatedly seen in the U.S. government since all congressman and presidents are rich, powerful, and/or large business owners.
2)Analyze and compare democratic ideals reflected in U.S. foundational documents.
Brutus 1 argued that a smaller government would be best because with a smaller group in charge, there would be less clash over ideals. While, Federalist 10 said that a larger republic would be better because a larger group would create a greater diversity of ideas which would better represent the variety of the people.
3) Compare and interpret Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on central government and democracy.
Federalists liked central government, whereas anti-federalists did not. anti-federalists thought that the government had to much power.
Federalist wanted the constitution because they believed it was better to have a strong central government to protect the nation and solve domestic issues whereas anti-federalists did not want the constitution and wanted strong state governments because they felt like the central government would become too strong. Federalist felt like the checks and balances would keep this from happening however anti-federalist felt like there should still be a Bill of Rights to protect the people.
4) Explain the relationship between key provisions of the Articles of Confederation and the debate over granting greater power to the federal government formerly reserved to the states.
Under the AoC, each state had 1 vote which left the nation basically powerless. Also, fear of falling under and monarch left the country without a leader.
5) Analyze causes and effects of constitutional compromises in addressing political, economic, and regional divisions.
The north and south had differences that resulted in compromises. one outstanding compromise was the 3/5ths compromise, which made slaves count as three-fifths of a person.
6) Explain how the issues raised in the ratification debate are reflected in ongoing philosophical disagreements about democracy and governmental power.
Some in question right now is Gay Marriage. States recognize this right but federal have problem due to religious nut jobs in congress opposing same sex marriage.
7) Evaluate the relationship between separation of powers and checks and balances.
Separation of powers and checks and balances are very important parts of the government in the United States. Both of these ensure that no branch of government becomes too powerful. Separation of powers gives certain branches different responsibilities than there branches so that no branch gets to make all the decisions. Checks and balances lets some branches "check" other branches to keep the in line and prevent them from getting stronger than the other branches.
8)Assess how the distribution of powers among three federal branches affects policy making
Congress creates the laws, the POTUS enacts the laws, and the Supreme Court reviews the laws. So, every branch is needed to make a law exist.
9) Explain how and why the appropriate balance of power between national and state governments has been interpreted differently over time.
Dual vs. Cooperative Federalism. State and central governments both want the power and both believe they should have it.
10) Analyze questions over the allocation and scope of central power within a federal structure.
Example of this is the Legalization of marijuana and gun regulation. Some state want legal marijuana while the fed considers it a crime. High shootings had increase and raise concern for the state making it strict on regulation but government still upheld the 2nd amendment to be above all even after the school shootings.