Unit 1 Study Guide
Constitutional
Underpinnings of United States Government (from College Board)
The study of modern
politics in the United States requires students to examine the kind of
government established by the Constitution, paying particular attention to
federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
Understanding these
developments involves both knowledge of the historical situation at the time of
the Constitutional Convention and an awareness of the ideological and
philosophical considerations on which the framers drew. Such understanding
addresses concerns of the framers: for example, why did Madison fear factions?
What were the reasons for the swift adoption of the Bill of Rights? Familiarity
with the United States Supreme Court’s interpretation of key provisions of the
Constitution will aid student understanding of theoretical and practical
features of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Students
should be familiar with a variety of perspectives relating to the Constitution,
such as democratic theory, theories of republican government, pluralism, and
elitism.
Broadly speaking, you should know and understand:
A.
Separation
of Powers
B.
Considerations
that influenced the formulation and adoption of the Constitution.
C.
Theories
of democratic government.
D.
Federalism
More specifically speaking, you should know, understand,
and be able to articulate:
o Nature
and purpose of government
o Founding
philosophy (general)
o Articles
of Confederation and issues
o Federalists
10 & 51, concepts and arguments
o The
Constitution (contents and specific provisions)
o Reasons
for separation of powers, checks and balances
o How
the Constitution creates/enforces separation of powers
o How
court decisions affect interpretation of separation of powers (esp. Marbury v.
Madison)
o Issues
relating to separation of powers
o Theories
of democratic government and current issues
o Federalism,
as a concept and as a practice
o How
the Constitution shapes American federalism