Study Guide – Exam #3
1. What was the Age of Enlightenment? Identify and discuss five philosophical
concepts of the Age of Enlightenment which have shaped the development of
American political ideals and institutions.
2. What “new” principles of government did the Americans who declared their
independence from Britain in 1776 outline in their Declaration of
Independence? What problems did these principles create for effective and
stable political order in the United States during the early national period
(under the Articles of Confederation)?
3. How does the United States Constitution embrace the principles of the
Declaration of Independence [specific features]?
4. What two approaches did the framers of the Constitution take to limit the
power of government? Why were they so preoccupied with this ideal?
5. Why separation of powers/checks & balances and federalism become
prominent structural features of the Constitution? Explain the basic premises
of each.
6. Why was a bill of rights not originally included in the Constitution? Why was
one added later?
7. What are the major differences among unitary, confederal, and federal
systems of government?
8. What is constitutional federalism? What are the six defining characteristics of
constitutional federalism?
9. Why was a Bill of Rights not originally included in the Constitution but added
later?
10. Compare and contrast Marshall’s and Taney’s interpretations of federalism.
11. Discuss the significant constitutional issues in MISSOURI V HOLLAND (1920).
12. Explain how certain provisions of the Constitution reflect a conflict between
two opposing political philosophies with regard to federalism. Identify the
relevant provisions.
13. What is the difference between the Hamiltonian and Jeffersonian views of
the Constitution? Discuss the lineage of each interpretation from Jefferson to
Reagan and from Hamilton to Brennan.