American Government: Unit 1 Study Guide
Purposes of Government as stated in the Preamble and examples
Origins of Government
 Force Theory, Evolution Theory, Divine Right Theory, Social Contract
Theory
The Declaration of Independence
 Who was the most significant writer of the Declaration of Independence?
 Which British philosopher did he get many of his ideas?
 According to the Declaration of Independence, what are our natural
rights? (list 3)
 According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the purpose of
government?
 According to the Declaration of Independence, where does government
get its power?
Articles of Confederation
 Identify 3 reasons why they were unsuccessful
Issues at the Constitutional Convention
 Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, Connecticut Compromise
 State representation
o What did big states argue in favor of?
o What did small states argue in favor of
o What was the compromise?
 The slave population
o What did the Northern states argue in favor of?
o What did the Southern states argue in favor of?
o What was the compromise?
6 Basic Principles of the Constitution (ESSAY QUESTION)
 Provide an explanation and example of each of the 6 principles
o Popular Sovereignty
o Separation of Power
o Checks and Balances
o Judicial Review
o Rule of Law (limited government)
o Federalism
The Amendment Process
 4 ways to formally amend the Constitution
o What is the process in which 26/27 of the amendments have been
proposed and ratified?
o Which amendment was NOT proposed and ratified in that way?
Why?
 What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?
 Informal Amendment Process (provide examples)
o Basic Legislation, Executive Action, Judicial Review, Party
Practices, Custom
Federalism
 Definition, advantages, disadvantages
 Full Faith and Credit, Privileges and Immunities, Extradition
 What are delegated powers? Example?
 What are expressed powers? Example?
 What are concurrent powers? Example?
 What are reserved powers? Example?
 Be able to identify state powers and national powers. (see Venn Diagram)
 What does the Supremacy Clause state?