Unit 1

I can statements

Over the course of this unit, place 3,2,1 or 0 next to the statements to describe how true they are to you: We are shooting for 3's. Please see me for help or ask for clarification if you cannot put a 3 on each of these statements.

3 perfect master( I could teach this to someone else)

2 somewhat confident( I know the main concepts , but I might be missing some pieces)

1 confused( I am not exactly sure what it is saying, I might be able to guess my way through it)

0 no ability (I can't even guess how to do this statement

I can

  1. Define the following terms: : democracy, hyperpluralism, conservatism. liberalism, majority rule vs. minority rights, pluralist theory, public policy, direct democracy, representative democracy, social contract, Anti-Federalists, factions, Federalist Papers, Federalists, judicial review, limited government, Marbury v. Madison, Virginia Plan, bicameral, checks and balances, electoral college, Great Compromise, separation of powers, writ of habeas corpus, block grants, categorical grants, cooperative grants, dual federalism, enumerated powers, Federalism, fiscal federalism, “full faith and credit”, implied powers, McCulloch v. Maryland, supremacy clause, commerce clause, Gibbons v. Ogden, US v. Lopez, necessary and proper (elastic) clause, supremacy doctrine, Tenth Amendment, new federalism
  2. Explain how the following influenced the development of the Constitution: Declaration of Independence; Virginia Bill of Rights; Shay’s Rebellion; American Revolution; Natural Rights; majority rule vs. minority rights.
  1. Assess the two questions central to governing: How should we govern? And what should government do?
  1. Understand the importance of the writings of John Locke on American political thought.
  1. List the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
  1. Explain the importance of Shay’s Rebellion.
  1. Distinguish between the Virginia and New Jersey Plan and the Connecticut (Great) Compromise.
  1. Explain the competing factions at the Constitutional Convention.
  1. Explain the importance of Article I.
  1. List the qualifications for: House of Representatives; Senate; President; Fed Judiciary.
  1. Distinguish between the two houses of Congress.
  1. List the “essential” enumerated powers of Congress.
  1. Summarize the necessary and proper clause.
  1. Explain the powers that are exclusive to the House of Representatives.
  1. Explain the powers that are exclusive to the Senate.
  1. Support the proposition that our founding fathers intended to make the legislative branch the most powerful branch of government.
  1. Identify how Congress checks the other branches of government.
  1. Identify how the president is elected through the Electoral College.
  1. Evaluate the historical basis for the limited executive powers.
  1. List how the executive branch checks the other branches of government.
  1. List the powers of the Supreme Court.
  1. Identify how Congress checks the judicial power.
  1. Define the privilege and immunities clause.
  1. Define the full faith and credit clause.
  1. Evaluate contrasting interpretations of the supremacy clause and the Tenth Amendment.
  1. Describe the amendment process.
  1. Evaluate the amendment process.
  1. Identify the ratification process.
  1. Explain the arguments of the Federalist and Anti-Federalists.
  1. Describe the effects of the Federalist Papers.
  1. Describe fiscal federalism and what role it plays in state politics.
  1. Explain why federalism is helpful for democracy.
  1. Explain the tools of cooperative federalism, including grants-in-aid and block grants.
  1. Interpret Madison’s argument in Federalist 51.
  1. Explain why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution.
  1. Explain the importance of the following cases: Marbury v. Madison (1803); McCulloch v. Maryland (1820)