test 1

1. Why do we need government?
What do you think life would be like without
any government?
Would this be good? Why?
Would this be bad? Why?

2. What would life boil down to at its simplest
form?
What would we all need to survive?

3. Philosophical Influences
A. Ideas of Enlightenment
– Derived on the scientific discoveries of the 1600s.
Also influenced by Glorious Revolution.
– Thinkers believed that God created an orderly
universe & laws could be discovered through use of
human reason
– Thinkers argued that laws which governed nature
also applied to human life & society
– Influential Enlightenment Thinkers:
•
•
•
•
Thomas Hobbes
John Locke
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Baron de Montesquieu

4. The only Rights in a State of
Nature are our Natural Rights
Natural Rights humans have rights in
“nature”. Man created gov’t to protect these
rights
What core basic natural rights do you think
you have?
Who came up with this idea?

5. Thomas Hobbes

6. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) – English
Philosopher
– 1651 book Leviathan
– Hobbes argues that the natural state of man (without
any civil government) is war
– “... the life of man solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and
short. ... The condition of man ... is a condition of war
of everyone against everyone.”
• man in the state of nature seeks nothing but his own selfish
pleasure
• individualism naturally leads to a war in which every man's hand
is against his neighbor
• In pure self-interest and for self-preservation men entered into a
compact [social contract] by which they agreed to surrender
part of their natural freedom to an absolute ruler in order to
preserve the rest
• The State determines what is just and unjust, right and wrong

7. Thomas Hobbes
• State of Nature – living without
government; anarchy
• champion of absolutism for the
sovereign (king)
• developed the ideas of:
– right of the individual
– the natural equality of all men
– Legitimate political power must be
"representative" and based on the
consent of the people
– a liberal interpretation of law which
leaves people free to do whatever
the law does not explicitly forbid.

8. John Locke

9. • John Locke (1632-1704)- English Writer
– Argued that people were born free, equal, &
independent & possess Natural Rights
• Second Treatise of Government
– “All mankind…being all equal and independent, no one ought
to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”
– Believed if gov’t tried to take away people’s
natural rights, it was breaking the Social
Contract
• Social Contract- an agreement among people in a
society to give up part of their freedom to a gov’t in
exchange for protection or natural rights. Agree to
obey as long as it protects their rights

10. John Locke
Natural Rights humans have rights in
“nature”. Man created gov’t to protect these
rights
Life- right to live and be safe
Liberty- “ “ be free of others controls,
“ “ make own decisions, live as
you please
Property- “ “ to work , own land, tools,
& $ to survive

11. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

12. • Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
-French Philosopher
– The Social Contract (published 1762)
• “man is born free, yet everywhere he is found in
chains.”
– He was referring to large number of people in
Europe living under oppressive governments
– He argued that the people had the right to
determine how they should be governed

13. Baron de Montesquieu

14. Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755)French Writer
– Developed idea of dividing government into
branches to balance each other so that no one
part became too strong or threatened individual
rights
– His ideas of separation of powers, along with
Locke’s ideas on the social contract and natural
rights, became cornerstones of the Declaration of
Independence & the U.S. Constitution.

15. Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab
•
constitution
A plan of government that sets forth the structures and powers of
government. In democracies, a constitution is an authoritative law
through which the sovereign people authorize a government to be
established and grant it certain powers.
•
constitutional government
Limited government; the rule of law. A form of government in which
a written, unwritten, or partly written constitution serves as a higher
or fundamental law that everyone, including those in power, must
obey. The rule of law is an essential feature of constitutional
government.

16. Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab
•
democracy
Literally defined as "rule of the people," democracy is a form of
government in which all citizens exercise political power, either
directly or through their elected representatives. See also
representative democracy
limited government
In natural rights philosophy, a system restricted to protecting natural
rights that does not interfere with other aspects of life. More
generally, limited government is constitutional government governed
by the rule of law. Written or unwritten constitutions are used to
empower and limit government.

17. Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab
•
Parliament
The British legislature, which consists of two houses: the House of
Lords, which once represented the nobility, and the House of
Commons, which formally represents the common people. Most
members of the House of Lords are appointed for life by the
government of the day and are not members of the hereditary
aristocracy, who once dominated it.
•
republic
According to James Madison, a form of government that derives its
powers directly or indirectly from the people, is administered by
officials holding power for a limited time, and incorporates
representative institutions.

18. Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab
•
Parliament
The British legislature, which consists of two houses: the House of
Lords, which once represented the nobility, and the House of
Commons, which formally represents the common people. Most
members of the House of Lords are appointed for life by the
government of the day and are not members of the hereditary
aristocracy, who once dominated it.
republic
According to James Madison, a form of government that derives its
powers directly or indirectly from the people, is administered by
officials holding power for a limited time, and incorporates
representative institutions.

19. Lesson 1, Unit 1 Vocab
• unwritten constitution
The body of political practices developed through custom
and tradition. Only three of the world's major
democracies have constitutions that are not single,
written documents: Britain, Israel, and New Zealand. In
each of these nations, the constitution is a combination
of written laws and precedents.
written constitution
A written plan of government that sets forth the
structures and powers of government. See constitution

20. What are the philosophical and
historical foundations of the
American Political System?
We will address this question later.

21. What did the founders think about
constitutional government? P.3

22. What were some characteristics of
Colonial America? P.4

23. How did the founders learn about
government? P.5

24. What did the founders learn about
government? P. 5

25. What forms of government could
the founders choose from? P. 6-7

26. What is a constitution? P. 8-9

27. How did the founders characterize
higher law? P.9

28. What kinds of government may be
constitutional governments? P.10

29. Now, back to the Lesson question.
What are the philosophical and
historical foundations of the
American Political System?

30. How gov’t secures our natural
rights
How does gov’t secure our natural rights?

31. How gov’t secures our natural
rights
Limited Government (p.8) – those who
govern (rule/lead) have restraints (limits)
such as laws and free elections
Unlimited Government- those who govern
are free to use their power as they choose
as they are not restrained by law
Ex. Tyranny, Dictatorship, totalitarianism

32. How gov’t secures our natural
rights
Constitution- a set of customs, traditions,
rules and laws that set the basic way a
government is organized and operates.
Constitutional Government- the powers of
the government are limited by a constitution
(written or not). Those in power have to
follow the laws too!!

33. • Can an Constitutional Gov’t be unlimited?

34. Constitutional gov’t protects
natural rights
How does a constitutional
government protect our natural
rights?

35. Constitutional gov’t protects
natural rights
1. It established limits on the power of the
government to prevent it from violating
natural rights
2. It states that the government should be
organized and its power distributed in
such a way as to increase the possibility
that those limitations will be effective

36. Constitutional gov’t protects
natural rights
Separation of Power- 3 branches each have
a specific job- Judicial, Executive and
Legislative
Checks and Balances – power is spread out
between the branches so that no one
branch is able to control the others

37. 8A
Articles of Confederation
What were the major issues with our first
constitution, the Articles of Confederation?

38. 8B
Articles of Confederation
1. Pinkie Finger ( pink) is the smallest and weakest figure = weak
central government – 9 out of 13 states need to vote on new laws
and even then could not enforce any of its laws
2. Ring Finger (yellow) has no ring, so this mean it has no money.
Congress could not tax, only ask for money
3. Middle Finger (red) is used when people argue, argument
happens because of unenforceable trade agreements.
4. Index Finger (brown) is pointed at people often when
singled out in a threatening way. Threats to citizens
rights to property (like land, which has brown trees and
dirt)
5. Thumb (orange) – thumbs down shows feeling of
unhappiness / orange the color of jealousy - Unfair
competition / poor opinions between the states (people see
themselves as from their state first, and America second)
6. Close all the fingers and you make a fist – grey – gray is the color
of the smoke make from black power – Shay's Rebellion

39. 8C
Articles of Confederation
Read pp. 56-58 and write down more information about these topics
1. Weak Central Government (# 2 in book on page 57) Congress
could not force states / citizens to follow the laws. US gov’t could
not enforce treaties by making states pay for or give back land to
loyalist
2. No Money (# 1 in book on page 57) Congress could not tax the
states / people, could only ask for money.
3. Unenforceable trade agreements (# 3) Congress could not force
states to follow treaties / trade agreements with other nations.
Congress could not force states to pay for what they bought
4.Threats to citizens rights to property (# 5) In state legislatures,
small groups gained power and took away the rights of others,
even their property.

40. Articles of Confederation
5. Unfair competition between the states (# 4 on page 58) states
pass laws that on goods that cross state lines. This prevented
efficient trade across state lines. Congress was powerless to stop
this practice.
6. Shay’s Rebellion (p. 58) farmers are in debt because of taxes.
Courts are going to foreclose on their farms, so farmers get their
guns and take over the courthouse.
7.Northwest Ordinance – the one thing that worked! (p. 59) creates a
plan for 5 new states. Slavery is never allowed here. All new
states are equal to the original 13.
8D

41. 9A
Framers of the U.S. Constitution
• Who was at the Constitution Convention?
• Who would you think would be there that
were not?

42. 9B
Framers of the U.S. Constitution
•
•
•
Constitutional Convention (a.k.a. The Philadelphia Convention)
55 white men
Referred to by historian James McGregor as, “the well bred, well
fed, the well read and the well wed.” i.e. generally from high society,
but not always there because of ability
Notable Absences:
• Thomas Jefferson – US ambassador to France
• John Adams – US ambassador to Britain (great loss because he
had framed the Mass Constitution and had written on the idea of
constitutional government for the US)
• The state of Rhode Island sent no representatives
Reason for meeting
Trying to fix Articles of Confederation, but saw it was to messed up
and choose to start all over

43. 9C
Framers of the U.S. Constitution
George Washington-
Alexander Hamilton-
Ben Franklin-

44. 9D
Framers of the U.S. Constitution
James Madison-
George Mason-
Roger Sherman-

45. 9C
Framers of the U.S. Constitution
George Washington- wanted strong national gov’t- not
interested in public office. Did not want to go, but
felt he had to or the people would have no faith in
the gov’t. Elected unanimously President of the
Convention. His presence and support of the
Constitution and the thought that he would be the
first president were essential to the Constitutions
ratification. Did not take part in the debates.
Alexander Hamilton- strong presence for strong central
govt. Wrote the Federalist to help convents states to
ratify the constitution.
Ben Franklin- 81 and in poor health. His presence lent
an aura of wisdom to the convention

46. 9D
Framers of the U.S. Constitution
James Madison- “Father of the Constitution” – Came to
convention with Virginia plan in hand – the basic
framework with which the US Constitution was
based on.
George Mason- wrote the Virginia Bill of Rights –
wanted a Bill of Rights for the US Constitution.
Roger Sherman- Came up with the Great Compromise
/ Connecticut Compromise and saved the
convention from ending in disaster.

47. 11A
Virginia and New Jersey Plans
• What is the major similarities and
differences between the Virginia and New
Jersey Plans? Which plan is most like our
gov’t today?

48. 11B
Virginia and New Jersey Plans
Constitution Key Terms
Federal System- a form of political organization in which
government power is divided between a national and
state governments, with the national gov’t having more
power than the states in most matters.
proportional representation- the number of people elected
to government is based on the number of people in the
state.
equal representation – the number of people elected to
government is same for each states.

49. 11C
Virginia and New Jersey Plans
•
•
•
•
•
VIRGINIA PLAN
Two Chamber (part) Legislature
Representation in Legislature based on
population and amount of money the states
give the US
Executive (President) has veto power over
legislature.
Judicial branch appointed by legislature
Citizens under the authority of two
governments, national and state

50. 11D
Virginia and New Jersey Plans
•
•
•
•
•
NEW JERSEY PLAN
One Chamber Legislature
Representation equal among the states.
One state, one vote
Executive (President has no veto
Judicial branch chosen by executive
Citizens remain primarily under the authority
of state government

51. 12A
Great Compromise / Connecticut
Compromise
• What was the Great Compromise and
who’s idea was it?

52. Great Compromise / Connecticut
69-70
Compromise
• House of Representatives:
– Elected by the people, based on proportional
representation.
– This favors the large states.
• Senate:
– based on equal representation.
– This favors the small states.
Executive- Veto and pick judicial branch
12B

53. 13A
Other important compromise

54. Other important compromise
13B
Slavery Issues
3/5 Compromise
3 out of every 5 slaves count as 1 citizen = more
congressmen for the south
20 year ban
Congress can’t stop slaves from being shipped into the US for
20 years
Fugitive Slave clause
US law runaway slaves if found in other states must be
returned to their owners
Trade
Congress can control commerce (business) between the states

55. 14A
Powers and Limits of the National
Government
• What kind of powers does the US government
have?
• What kind of limits does the US government have?

56. 14A
The Preamble
What does the Preamble mean?

57. The Preamble
Preamble- a intro statement that explains
what the document is about.
14B

58. 15B
Quiz II – Constitutional Convention

59. 16A
Powers and Limits of the National
Government
In your opinion, what is the greatest thing that the US
government does for us? What is the one thing that
your are most grateful that they can’t do?
Rank the 2 most important Powers and explain why
Rank the 2 most important Limits and explain why

60. 16B
Powers and Limits of the National
Government
POWERS
• Supremacy Clause – The US Constitution is the
supreme law of the land. If federal and state laws
go against each other, then the federal laws wins.
• Congress has the power to make new states
• Gov’t needs to protect the states from invasion
• Each state gets a republican form of government –
each state gets to vote for their leaders.

61. 16B
Powers and Limits of the National
Government
LIMITS
• Can’t take away right to know why you are in jail
(except in emergencies)
• Can’t make something a crime and punish
someone for it after they did it back when it was
legal
• Congress can’t pass a law making someone guilty
of a crime
• Can’t take money from US without permission
• Can’t tax things made in states and sold out of
state
• Grant titles of nobility (sirs, dukes, lords, etc

62. 17B
Powers of the Legislative Branch
• Make the laws
These are the enumerated – specifically listed –
powers of congress
• Issue and collect taxes
• Pay the nations debts
• Provide for the defense of the nation
• Provide for the general welfare of the nation
• Regulate commerce with foreign nations and the
states

63. 17B
Powers of the Legislative Branch
•
•
•
•
Declare War
Raise an army and navy
Coin / print money
Impeach (to charge a public official with a crime in
office for which they can be removed from power)
Executive, Judicial or other Legislative officials
– House calls for Impeachment
– Senate acts as Jury: decides guilt or innocence

64. 18 B
HOUSE OF REPRESENATATIVES
• Requirements: 25 yrs old, US citizen 7 yrs,
citizen of state elected from
• Term: 2 Years
• Responsibilities: Make the laws / impeach /
Declare war / over ride presidents veto with 2/3
votes
• Speaker of the House – Leader, currently Nancy
Pelosi – 2nd in line to be President – elected by
other congressmen to be Speaker
• 435 members of the House - called
Congressmen / Congresswomen

65. 18 B
HOUSE OF REPRESENATATIVES
OUR CONGRESSMEN TODAY!
• 1 NH Congressional District: (D) Carol
Shea-Porter
• 2 NH Congressional District: (D) Paul
Hodes
• Committees – meet in smaller committees
(groups) to discuss problems
• US Capital / Capital Hill

66. 19 A
SENATE

67. 19 B
SENATE
• Legislative Branch
• Requirements: 30 yrs. Old, US Citizen for 9
years, a citizen of the state you run in.
• Term: 6 years (3 classes)
• Responsibilities: Make Laws / Declare War /
approve treaties / jury during impeachment trials
/ override veto with 2/3 vote / filibuster –
senators can talk for ever to kill a bill / approve
judges and cabinet positions / approves treaties
• 2 from each state = 100
• Senator

68. 19 B
SENATE
• President of the Senate: Vice of the United
States = Joe Biden (D)
• President Pro Tempore: Daniel Inouye (D)
3rd in line to be president
• NH Senators: Judd Gregg (R) / Jeanne
Shahenn (D)
• Meet at US Capital / Capital Hill

69. 20 A
EXECUTIVE BRANCH

70. 20 B
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
• Requirements: 35 yrs old, 14 years resident of
the US / natural born US Citizen
• Term: 4 years / or 2 terms / or 10 years (2 terms
elected on own after finishing 2 years after being
V.P.
• President of the US / Vice President
• Responsibilities: Commander-in-Chief (runs the
military) / veto laws / Enforces the Laws / pardon
criminals / appoints judges and cabinet positions
/ creates treaties

71. Presidential Order of succession
1 Vice President
Joe Biden (D)
2
3
4
5
Nancy Pelosi
Robert Byrd
Hillary Clinton
Timothy
Geithner
Speaker of the House
President pro tempore of the Senate
Secretary of State
Secretary of the Treasury
6 Secretary of Defense
Robert Gates
(R)
7 Attorney General
Eric Holder

72. 8 Secretary of the Interior
Ken Salazar
9 Secretary of Agriculture
Tom Vilsack
10 Secretary of Commerce
Gary Locke
11 Secretary of Labor
Hilda Solis
12 Secretary of Health and Human Services
Kathleen
Sebelius
13 Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development
Shaun Donovan
14 Secretary of Transportation
Ray LaHood (R)
15 Secretary of Energy
Steven Chu (I)
16 Secretary of Education
Arne Duncan
17 Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Eric Shinseki (I)
18 Secretary of Homeland Security
Janet
Napolitano

73. 21 B
POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE
BRANCH
Executive Powers
Powers shared with Legislative
•
•
•
•
•
Carrying out and enforcing the
laws made by Congress
Nominating people for federal jobs
Negotiate treaties with other
nations
Conducting war
•
•
•
•
Pardon people convinced of
crimes
•
Send and receive ambassadors
Veto- can veto laws passed by
congress
Appointments- can nominate
people to executive and judicial
jobs, senate must approve them.
Treaties – can negotiate treaties,
but 2/3 of senate must approve
War – can wage war, only
congress can declare war

74. 22 B
ELECTRAL COLLEGE
• Meet once every 4 years, elect president, then
dissolve
• Members of electoral college are called electors
• Same number for each electors for each state
as the number of people they have in congress
(House and Senate plus 3 for D.C.) = 538
• 270 electoral votes to be elected president
• If no one gets the 270, the House of Reps. picks
the president

75. 23 A
POWERS OF THE JUDICAL
BRANCH
• What is the purpose of the Judicial
Branch?

76. 23 B
JUDICAL BRANCH
• Supreme Court Building
• Lower Federal Courts: US Court of
Appeals / US District Courts
• War – do nothing

77. 23 B
JUDICAL BRANCH
• Requirements: No age requirement / no
citizenship requirement / no education or law
requirement
• Term: Unlimited term of office unless
impeached, death or resign
• Responsibilities: Find what laws are
constitutional or not (Judicial Review), judges
during impeachment trials
• Justices – 9
• Chief Justice – John Roberts
• Associate Justices : 8

78. POWERS OF THE JUDICAL
BRANCH
20 B
• Block 4 –read pp 77-79: students needed
to take notes on the things that would help
answer question on 25A