1. Chapter 2 Constitutional Democracy

2.  John Locke’s idea of inalienable, or natural, rights influence founding fathers  Declaration a call to revolution and not a framework for anew government  Ideas contained in document were incorporated into constitution Declaration of Independence

3.  First government in U.S. based on these  Adopted during Revolutionary War  Why it failed: 1.Too weak a central government 2.No national court system 3.Issue of taxation 4.Shay’s rebellion Articles of Confederation

4.  Federalists: supported ratification of the proposed Constitution of the United States between 1787 and 1789.  The Federalist Papers (See Homework assignment 1) are documents associated with their movement.  Anti-federalists: opponents of the constitution; concerned too strong a central government Federalists v. Anti-Federalists

5.  James Madison helped craft Constitution  Often referred to as “Grandfather of Constitution:  Concerned with minority or majority tyranny or factions taking control (did not want another king)  Believed pure democracy is impossible and suggested a federal government Blueprint for Political System

6.  Virginia Plan (aka large-state and/or Randolph plan)  One option introduced at Constitutional Convention  Drafted by James Madison  Called for a two-chamber Congress  Provided representation in both chambers based on size of states Constitutional Options

7.  New Jersey Plan (Small-state plan)  Called for stronger national government with power to tax and regulate  In most other respects, same as Articles of Confederation  Congress would be single chamber  Each state would have a single vote Constitutional Options

8.  Ended debate over whether to choose the Virginia Plan or New Jersey Plan  Created a two-chamber (bicameral) Congress.  House apportioned by population  Senate would be apportioned by equal number of 2 votes per state. Great Compromise

9.  North-South Compromise  Counting slaves as 3/5 person for apportionment purposes  Highly controversial  Troubled many of the founding fathers  Issue of dependency of slavery Slavery

10.  Offered new framework for government  Constitution: fundamental law of the land.  Language purposefully vague  Has lasted over 200 years and serves as basis for most of world’s current constitutions Constitution

11.  Prevents powers from becoming too concentrated  Article I established the Congress and gives legislative responsibilities  Article II establishes presidency  Article III establishes judiciary Separation of Powers

12.  Guard against concentration of power  Example: To pass a law, both House and Senate must pass. President can sign or veto. Supreme court can rule on constitionality. Checks and Balances