C963 self assess questions Sept 2019 PDF

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ConstitutionSelf-Assess Activities appear at the end of each lesson and ask a series of questions to ensure mastery of the most important concepts from the lesson. Open-ended questions allow for notes on areas of confusion or limited understanding. The learning resource will maintain these notes for...

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Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution Self-Assess Activities appear at the end of each lesson and ask a series of questions to ensure mastery of the most important concepts from the lesson. Open-ended questions allow for notes on areas of confusion or limited understanding. The learning resource will maintain these notes for Course Instructors to view. It is important to note, Course Instructors do not receive a copy of these notes automatically. Once you make a comment, you have the option to schedule an appointment with your Course Instructor by visiting the following link: C963 Course Instructor Calendar or by emailing the general inbox at [email protected] with any specific questions you may have. The list below provides a downloadable version of these questions, with the exception of the openended questions.

Unit 2 Lesson 1: Social Contract Theory  I can identify major contributors to social contract theory. Physical security – social contract should protect the right to life (Thomas Hobbes) Quality of life – people have rights from god that the government cannot take away. The social contract should protect life, liberty and property (John Locke) Freedom of choice – you cannot be “forced to be free” and it should protect liberty ( Jean- Jacques Rousseau)  I can explain key elements of social contract theory including the state of nature, natural rights, sovereignty and consensual political rule. State of nature- how people may have lived before societies came into existence Natural rights- “ Basic human rights” we choose how we want to live Sovereignty - A person who has supreme power/authority Consensual political rule - People consent the government to make rules to follow - allowing the government to tell you what you can and can’t do Lesson 2: Enlightened Ideas in the Founding Documents  I can identify areas of the Constitution that are influenced by the Enlightenment. John Locke’s natural rights and Rousseau’s social contract Article 1 section 2 clause 1. Separation of powers found an article 1, 2 and 3  I can identify areas of the Bill of Rights that are influenced by the Enlightenment. Society and government are created to protect and advance natural rights.  I can identify areas of the Deceleration of Independence that are influenced by the Enlightenment. Key natural rights are life, liberty and property in which we are individually and equally entitled.

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Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution Lesson 3: A National Government under the Articles of Confederation  I can explain the primary goals of the Articles of Confederation. Limit the powers of the national government, which in return it provides greater state sovereignty.  I can describe the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation. Unicameral Congress = 1 chamber; confederation Each state had only 1 vote in Congress Central government was weaker than the states  I can list the powers of government under the Articles of Confederation. Borrow and coin money Declare war Make treaties Alliance with other nations Regulate trade with Native Americans Settle disputes among other states

Lesson 4: Problems with the Articles of Confederation  I can list several weaknesses of the Articles of Confederations. No power to tact or interstate commerce or regulate trade. They could only request $$$ from the states. No national army or navy. No judicial or executive branches. Each state had one vote regardless of the size in congress The articles could not be changed without an unanimous vote to do so Lesson 5: The New Jersey and Virginia Plans  I can list several characteristics of the New Jersey Plan. Unicameral State based (Each state is equally represented) Small states are given the same power as larger states in the national legislature Legislature gave all states 1 vote each regardless of the population size  I can list several characteristics of the Virginia Plan. Bicameral population based (higher population = more reps) Larger states would have more power than the smaller states and the national legislature Legislature in what states receive representation based on their population

Lesson 6: Compromises at the Constitutional Convention 2

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution

 I can describe the major compromises that occurred during the Constitutional Convention. Bicameral legislature = senate and house of reps 2 senators regardless of size representation Representation in the house would be based upon population Elected members of the house = 2 years in office Appointed to senate by each state political Elite would serve as a term of 6 years  I can explain the Three-Fifths compromise. Satisfied the concerns of the south over the counting of their slave population by allowing 60% of slave population to be counted for State representation and tax purpose Northern and southern states 5 slaves = 3 votes  I can define checks and balances. I system that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power  I can define separation of powers. Government separated into 3 different branches: legislative, executive and judicial powers Lesson 7: The Federalist and Anti-Federalist Debates  I can describe the Federalist's views on the scope and powers of the government. Strong government for national defense and economic growth. National currency = government power to create. Ability to regulate Trade and place tariffs. Collection of taxes  I can describe the Anti-Federalist's views on the scope and powers of the government. Feared national government and believed in States legislatures. Believed strong federal government would favor of the ridge over those of the “middle sort.”  I can list reasons for and against ratifying the Constitution. Federalists wanted a strong government Anti-federalist wanted to protest peoples rights Lesson 8: The Federalist Papers  I can describe the purpose and main arguments made in Federalist #10. America is divided into groups that are in conflict others. The purpose of the government is to make sure these groups reach some sort of compromise  I can describe the purpose and main arguments made in Federalist #51. 3

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution Separation of powers/checks and balances protect people from in abusive government. Lesson 9: Separation of Powers  I can explain the purpose of having separations of powers. In order to avoid the possibility of the government ignoring the right of citizens.  I can list several powers held by each branch of government. Legislative branch Congress – 100 US senators/ 2 senators per state 435 US house of reps – reps are determined by state Declares war on foreign countries Passes the national budget Makes laws Only Congress can control international trade and trade among states Judicial branch Courts ( federal/supreme) Settles disputes, hears court appeals and determines if it is constitutional 9 justices in the Supreme Court who are appointed for life Executive branch President and vice president Appoints government officials commands Armed Forces meets with leaders of other nations president or his people negotiate the treaties  I can explain how laws are made and enforced using the separation of powers. Lesson 10: Checks and Balances  I can explain how the system of checks and balances functions. Legislative branch - Introduces and votes on a bill. Executive branch - Approves, signs and bills become law. Judicial branch – law gets tested and if someone believes it is unfair they can file a lawsuit.  I can list several checks the judicial branch has on the legislative and executive branches. Executive branch checks Serves during good behavior to maintain independent of judiciary Can overturn actions of the president with judicial review of the actions violate the Constitutions Legislative branch checks Can influence laws by interpretation Serve during good behavior to maintain independence of judiciary Can overturn acts of Congress as unconstitutional if they violate the law  I can list several checks the legislative branch has on the judicial and executive branches. Executive branch checks 4

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution

Only Congress can declare war Presidential nominees must be approved by the Senate Impeachment is made by 2/3 of the Senate Can override a presidential veto by 2/3 of the vote in chamber Control of funding activities of the executive branch Judicial branch checks Senate must approve judges and justices Controls jurisdiction of the courts Determines the size of supreme court House can impeach judges and senate can remove them by 2/3 vote  I can list several checks the executive branch has on the legislative and judicial branches. Legislative branch checks Can veto legislation Can use executive orders and agreements Negotiates treaties Judicial branch checks Nominates judges power of pardon

Lesson 11: The Principles of Federalism  I can list several characteristics of a federal system of government (federalism). 1. Do you levels of government national government (war, federal jobs, property banking, insurance) and state government (licenses, education elections) 2. No changes to be made to the constitution 3. Checks and balances to both national and state level 4. Conflicts between state and federal government are adjudicated by federal courts with US Supreme Court be the final arbiter  I can list several advantages and disadvantages of a federal system (federalism). Advantages Innovative ways that they deal with problems. States are able to adopt a little conditions and design programs that are best fit for them. State can add to a national program if needed to. Protection against the oppression with divided power. 5

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution Disadvantages Voters are less willing to pay to avoid problems with negotiating consequences that occur in another state. Every state needs educational, transactional dept, medicaid, unemployment benefit, a host of other jobs = cost $$$.

Unit 3 Lesson 12: Powers of the Legislative Branch  I can define the three types of Congressional powers including implied, enumerated, and inherent powers. Implied - not in the constitution but it is necessary for national government. Ex: minimum wage is, maximum hours worked, federal aid program, etc. Inherent - Exist due to the countries existence. Ex: Immigration, boarders , expands territories, etc. Enumerated - Powers in the constitution. Ex: Declare war, lay and collect taxes  I can list out several powers held by the legislative branch. Confirm executive appointment Veto Reject foreign treaties  I can classify Congressional powers as either implied, enumerated, or inherent. Implied powers Regulates banks minimum wage Inherent powers Boarders Countries defense 6

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution

Enumerated powers Declares war Collection of taxes The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; But all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States

 I can provide examples of Congress exercising its power under the Commerce Clause.  I can describe the ways in which the legislative branch can engage in checks and balances with the other branches of government Lesson 13: How the Legislative Branch Makes Laws  “I can explain how Congress is organized”  I can describe the process of legislation and how bills become law. 1. Bill is introduced and given to the appropriate standing committee. 2. Bill is sent to the rules committee. 3. Bill is debated in the House of Representatives and the Senate 4. Bill is voted upon 5. Bill is sent to the conference committee to form unified bill 6. Unified bill is sent to House of Representatives and Senate 7. Bill is then sent to the president to sign or vote. If vetoed, Congress can override  I can explain the purpose of congressional committees and describe several types. Lesson 14: Reapportionment, Redistricting, and Gerrymandering  I can define reapportionment, redistricting, and gerrymandering. Re-apportionment - Redistribution of seats in the US House of Representatives based upon population change. Redistricting - Re-drawing of district lines to adjust for census changes Gerrymandering- Drawing of electoral boundaries to favor a particular party  I can explain the role of the census in the reapportionment and redistricting processes.  I can explain the ruling in, and significance of, the Supreme Court case Miller v. Johnson. Lesson 15: The Design and Evolution of the Presidency    

I can describe the evolution of the presidency in the United States. I am aware of term limits for the president. I can describe the impeachment process. I can identify several duties of the president.

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Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution Lesson 16: The Powers of the Executive Branch  I can identify several powers of the president.  I can explain how executive orders are used by presidents. Signs statements, Power of removal and pardon, reporting federal judges executive orders (limits court ruling, successors reversal) Executive agreements are used in international relations. They are agreements with foreign leaders.  I can describe how presidential powers are limited by the system of checks and balances. Judicial- Declare presidential acts unconstitutional. Legislative - Controls budget, presidential impeachment. Lesson 17: Organized to Govern  I can describe the transfer of presidential powers from one administration to the next. Outgoing transitioning staff - Communication staff are hired to communicate with Current and Prospective staff  I can describe the conditions that must be met in order to make a recess appointment. Must occur when the Senate is not in session, the president then has the ability to put someone in office

Lesson 18: Powers of the Judicial Branch  I can describe the evolution of the federal judiciary in the United States. 1787: beginning of federal judiciary 1789: judiciary act 1803: Marbury versus Madison 1824: Gibbons versus Ogden  I can identify several powers of the federal judiciary. Original and appellate jurisdiction Appellate jurisdiction- court hears on appeal from a lower courts decision Original jurisdiction- A case that is heard for the first time  I can distinguish between original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction.  I can explain how Marbury v. Madison was the key case for the full development of judicial review by the Supreme Court.  I can describe the impact of the decision of the Supreme Court in McCulloch v. Maryland. 8

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution

 I can define and provide examples of stare decisis. Stare decisis- reliance on previous decisions and established precedents, and it also means to let the decision stand  I can distinguish between strict vs loose interpretation. Loose interpretation - Constitution can be changed Strict interpretation - how strictly Constitution should be read  I can explain judicial activism. Supreme Court makes a ruling that overturns a lot of Congress or of a president Lesson 19: The U.S. Court System  I can describe the organization of the U.S. court system.  I can distinguish between civil and criminal court cases. Civil court cases Involves two or more private parties Individuals/corporations One must allege harm or be injured by another Cases will state the names of the two private parties Ex: divorces, lawsuits, etc. Criminal court cases Harm to society State presses charges Misdemeanors = less crime Ex: stealing road signs Felonies = higher crime Ex: murder Establishes rules and punishment to prohibit harm to others  I can describe the jurisdiction of federal and state courts. Federal courts Hears cases involving “federal question” involved constitution, federal laws or treaties or a “Fed party” in which US government is a party to the case hears civil and criminal matters Hears “interstate” matter, diversity of citizenship involving parties of 2 different states or US citizen and another nation State courts Hears most day to day cases approximately 90% of all cases 9

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution Hears both civil and criminal matters Helps states retain their own sovereignty in judicial matters over their state laws, distinct from national government  I am aware of how many justices are currently serving on the Supreme Court. 9  I am aware of how Supreme Court justices are nominating. The president nominates justices, and the Senate confirms it Presidents choose justices that have similar item to them example: liberal nominates a liberal Lesson 20: The Evolution of the Judicial Branch  I can explain how the courts protect the sanctity of the U.S. Constitution from breaches by the other branches of government.  I can explain how the courts protect individual rights against societal and governmental oppression. Lesson 21: Expressed, Implied, Reserved, and Concurrent Powers  I can explain the differences between expressed, implied, reserved, and concurrent powers. Expressed powers - Powers of the national government Implied powers- Powers of the national government that are not written in the constitution Reserved powers - State powers only Concurrent powers - National and state government shared powers  I can provide examples of expressed, implied, reserved, and concurrent powers. Expressed powers Raise an army (establishing a draft to raise an army, develop new arm tanks and construct military bases) Collection of taxes (establishing the IRS and national bank, punishing those who fail to pay taxes) regulate commerce (prohibition of importation and exportation of certain goods) Implied powers Minimum wages Maximum working hours Federal aid programs Reserved powers Marriage, divorce, adoption laws Speed limits conducting elections license requirements Concurrent powers 10

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution

Defining crimes States levying a tax on alcoholic beverages  I can explain how the Constitution grants supremacy to the national government with the Supremacy Clause. Constitution grants supremacy to the national government allowing national government to override state laws when in conflict with one another  I can explain the purpose of the Full Faith and Credit clause and the Privileges and Immunities clause. Article IV, section 1 requires the states to except court decisions, public acts and contracts of other states. Adoption or license is valid in all states, and marriage certificate. For example if I were to get married in Hawaii must be valid in WA state Lesson 22: Federal and State Power  I can describe the growth of the federal government’s power relative to the states.  I can explain how Gibbons v. Ogden and McCulloch v. Maryland illustrate how the Supreme Court expanded the power of the national government through the Necessary and Proper Clause’s implication of expanded powers, the Supremacy Clause, and the expressed power of Congress to regulate commerce. Gibbons versus Ogden Supreme Court, Congress has the ability to regulate interstate commerce McCulloch versus Maryland Supreme court can establish a national bank states cannot tax national banks

Unit 4 Lesson 23: Congressional Elections  I can identify some of the differences of the House of Representatives and Senate, including eligibility, term lengths, and numbers of members. House of representatives Seven years in the US and 25 years old Two year term 11

Self-Assess Questions for American Politics and the US Constitution Number of reps is based upon states population Senators Nine years in the US and 30 years old Six year term 2 senates for each of the 50 states  I can exp...