AP U.S. Government & Politics: Mr. Tumino
Chapter 1 Study Guide: Constitutional Democracy
The fragile foundation of American Constitutional democracy survives because each
generation has renewed its inherent values and principles, even during turbulent times at
home and abroad. Such was the case for America after the horrific events of September
11, 2001, when more than 3000 people were killed after terrorists struck New York and
Washington, D.C. Prior to 9/11, Americans had exhibited cynicism/hostility toward
government and politicians. The aftermath of 9/11 changed these attitudes, attitudes
which even carried over to the 2002 elections, giving the GOP political momentum.
Two contrasting ideas have dominated American political thought since the nation was
founded — liberty and order. In one sense they are in conflict, as demonstrated after
9/11; in another sense they reinforce each other. In addition, it is also important to realize
that constitutional democracy is not a “spectator sport,” in that our system depends upon
active participation, faith in our common human enterprise, tolerance toward the rights
and opinions of others, and a realistic attitude toward the flaws of actual politicians rather
than overly ideal images of our representatives.
The Founders had no ready-made blueprint for their new government. Their first effort
produced a weak government that could not preserve order (the Articles of
Confederation). Slowly and reluctantly they moved toward stronger government (The
Annapolis Convention). Then, spurred by Shays’ Rebellion, they assembled in
Philadelphia in May 1787, and throughout a long, hot summer compromised their
differences to draft a new Constitution that was adopted only by paper-thin majorities in
many of the mutually antagonistic states.
This original document has been amended and interpreted since 1787 to make it conform
more nearly to American goals of openness, representation, and responsibility. That
search in one sense is the very essence of American democracy. In this chapter, we look
at how the framers approached the problem of building a strong national government and
at the background from which the federal Constitution came. Above all, our Constitution
is a living, changing document, rather than a faded parchment scroll.
PART I — GLOSSARY
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, 1787 - The convention held in Philadelphia that
drafted our basic government document, the Constitution.
CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY - A government where powers are exercised due to
free and frequent elections and whose leaders are limited in their powers.
REPUBLIC - A form of democracy where elected officials govern as agents of the
people.
SEPARATION OF POWERS - Deliberate division of governmental powers among the
legislative, executive, and judicial branches to check arbitrary rule.
ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION - The first constitution of the newly independent
American states, drafted in 1776, ratified in 1781, and replaced by the present
Constitution in 1789.
1
SHAYS’ REBELLION - The rural rebellion of 1786-1787 in western Massachusetts,
protesting mortgage foreclosures, that engendered conservative support for a
stronger national government.
VIRGINIA PLAN - A proposal in the Constitutional Convention that provided for a
strong legislature with representation in each house determined by population,
thus favoring the large states.
BICAMERALISM - A two-house form of legislature.
NEW JERSEY PLAN - A proposal in the Constitutional Convention that provided for a
single-house legislature with equal representation, thus favoring the small states.
CONNECTICUT COMPROMISE - A blending of the New Jersey and Virginia Plans
that gave equality of representation in one house, representation based on
population in the other.
THREE-FIFTHS COMPROMISE - An agreement in the Constitutional Convention that
counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for both representation and taxation
purposes.
FEDERALIST - Originally, a supporter of the new Constitution; later, a political party
that favored strong central government.
ANTIFEDERALIST - Opponents of constitutional ratification and a strong central
government.
DEMOCRACY - Government by the people, either directly or indirectly, with free and
frequent elections.
DIRECT DEMOCRACY - Government where citizens meet to discuss and pass laws and
select rulers.
INDIVIDUALISM - In a political sense, the belief that the welfare of the citizen is more
important than that of the state.
IDEOLOGY - Basic beliefs about power, government, and political practices.
MAJORITY RULE - A basic democratic rule, usually referring to “more than half.”
PLURALISM - Refers to a candidate or party winning the greatest number of votes.
STATISM - A political theory that holds that the welfare of the nation has topmost
priority, transcending the welfare of any or all individual citizens.
CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT - A government restricted by a written or
unwritten statement (constitution) under which it functions.
SOCIAL CAPITAL – Participation in voluntary associations that reinforce democratic
and civic habits of discussion, compromise, and respect for differences.
ANNAPOLIS CONVENTION – A convention held in September 1786 to consider
problems of trade and navigation. It was attended by five states and important because it
issued the call to Congress and the states for what became the Constitutional Convention.
PART II — POLITICAL DIALOGUE:
THE CLASH OF ISSUES AND IDEAS
1. Defenders of democracy quote Aristotle, who wrote “The guest can judge the
banquet better than the chef, though he might not be able to cook the meal.” What is
the thrust of this quotation? Does it make a valid point?
2
2. The renowned Spanish political philosopher, Jose Ortega y Gasset has written that
the role of the common man in politics has everywhere meant a decline in standards.
Is there evidence to support his thesis? What rebuttal could you offer?
3. Former Secretary of State, George Schultz, wrote in 1986 that on the world scene a
massive movement toward democracy had begun. Have events since then confirmed
his prediction? Cite some specific examples during the 1987-2003 historical period.
4. In “Framing a Constitution”, Sir William Gladstone, the famous British prime
minister, once described the American Constitution as “the greatest work that was
ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.”
Without detracting in any way from the Constitution-makers of 1787, how can it be
argued that Americans were engaged in writing a constitution from 1607 to 1787?
Can a case be made for the idea that the American Constitution is not yet
written--although we have been engaged in that project from 1787 to the present
date?
5. Many Americans consider politicians to be fundamentally dishonest. Why is this so?
Do most Americans truly understand the importance of political compromise?
PART III — POLITICAL SCIENCE TODAY
1. Try to imagine what a second Constitutional Convention would be like if it were
held today. The 1787 Convention was conducted in total secrecy in order to prevent
disruptions from external hostile forces and the possible rallying of opposition to the
convention itself. Today, a new convention would take place in the glare of the
modern media. It would be virtually impossible for “secrets” to be kept. Given the
prospect for such media attention, consider whether: (a) the general public’s interest
and attention could be captured and sustained during a second constitutional
convention; and (b) the convention could become radicalized due to media
pressures.
2. What purpose do radio and TV talk show hosts serve in the on-going discussion
about the national political system? Who listens and/or participates in the
discussions? Does this segment of the media have an impact on the public’s
awareness and understanding of the federal government and its actions?
3. During the ratification struggle, the new Constitution was barely ratified in such
important states as New York, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Imagine that these three
states had voted not to ratify the Constitution. What strategies would the Federalists
have then been forced to follow to try and salvage a difficult political position?
Would they have called a new Constitutional Convention? Try to list some possible
political strategies that the Federalists might have considered and assess the merits
and demerits of each strategy.
3