AP Government and Politics Homework
Unit 2: The Constitution and Federalism
Mr. Davison
- "The Articles of Confederation were a total dud and of no value in America's political heritage." Defend or attack that statement with definite illustrations. (10)
2. Discuss the major and minor compromises in the Constitutional Convention. (15)
3. "The Founding Fathers...were impelled by class motives...but they were also controlled...by a statesmanlike sense of moderation and a scrupulously republican philosophy." Assess the merits of this statement with reference to ALL of the following: a) the politics of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, b) the specific provisions of the Constitution, and c) the general structure of the government established by the Constitution. (20)
4. Analyze the effects of federalism on contemporary policy making in TWO (2) of the following areas: a) Civil rights policy, b) Social welfare policy, and c) environmental policy. In your answer, include a brief definition of federalism and use specific examples of its impact on policy making in the two areas you select. Focus on the analysis of contemporary political effects and NOT on the historical development. (20)
5. "It is of great importance in a republic not only to guard society against the oppression of its rulers, but to guard one part of society against the injustice of the other part. Different interests necessarily exist in different classes of citizens. If a majority be united by a common interest, the rights of the minority will be insecure." James Madison, The Federalist. Number 51.Using the quotation above and your knowledge of U.S. politics, perform the following two tasks: a) Explain the central point that Madison is making about popular government and power. b) Explain two constitutional provisions the framers devised to guard against the problems that Madison is addressing. (15)
6. Analyze whether federalism, over the last twenty-five years, has changed due to the increase in federal mandates on state and local governments. In your essay, identify one federal mandate and discuss each of the following with respect the mandate you have identified. a) The objectives of the federal government in enacting the mandate. b) The impact on state and local government budgets priorities as a result of the mandate. c) The potential consequences of the removal of the mandate. Generalizing from discussion in a), b), and c) assess the impact of increased federal mandates on federalism. (20)
7. How can constitutional amendments be proposed in the U .S.? How can they be ratified? Which methods have been used most and why? What is the informal amendment process and what are examples of it being used? (10)
8. How has the balance of power between the federal and state governments in the U .S. changed over the last 200 years? What have been the sources and reasons for the change? (10)
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