Political Science Answer Note #9

Question 1 Write down two reasons to why a state that favors independence would oppose or support the Articles of Confederation Answer As a high-achieving high school student, I have extensively researched the topic of independence and the Articles of Confederation. After reviewing various academic sources, I have identified two reasons why a state that favors independence may oppose or support the Articles of Confederation. Firstly, a state that favors independence may support the Articles of Confederation because it allowed for a decentralized government. Under the Articles, each state had its own sovereignty and the power to govern itself. This appealed to states that valued their independence and did not want a strong central government controlling their affairs. The Articles also gave states equal representation in Congress, regardless of their size or population. This was seen as fair and ensured that smaller states were not overpowered by larger ones. On the other hand, a state that favors independence may oppose the Articles of Confederation because it lacked a strong central government. The Articles established a weak central government with limited powers, making it difficult for the nation to effectively govern itself. The government did not have the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws, which often led to chaos and economic struggles. This was a major concern for states that wanted a strong and stable nation that could effectively protect its citizens and promote growth. Furthermore, some states may have also opposed the Articles of Confederation due to its failure to address the issue of territorial disputes. Under the Articles, states were fighting over their territorial boundaries, causing tension and even conflicts between them. This lack of a central authority to settle disputes was a major flaw of the Articles and a reason for some states to oppose it. In conclusion, a state that favors independence may have supported the Articles of Confederation for its decentralized government and equal state representation, but may have also opposed it for its weak central government and failure to address territorial disputes. These reasons highlight the inherent flaws and challenges of the Articles of Confederation, which ultimately led to the creation of a stronger and more effective government through the Constitution. Question 2 What do you believe Washington meant by "act a farce by pretending to it," and how can this idea relate to situations or groups today that might claim unity but don't truly exhibit it? Answer Washington's famous quote "act a farce by pretending to it" speaks to the idea of false unity, where a group or society may claim to be unified, but in reality, there are underlying divisions and discord. This concept can be applied to various situations and groups in today's society. One example of false unity can be seen in political parties. While they may claim to have a common goal and work towards the betterment of the country, there are often hidden agendas and divisions within the party. This can lead to conflicts and hinder the progress of the party in achieving its goals. Another example is seen in workplaces, where companies may promote an inclusive and harmonious work environment, but there may be underlying issues such as discrimination, favoritism, and unequal treatment of employees. This can create a sense of false unity within the organization, leading to a lack of trust and productivity. In the education system, we can also see instances of false unity. Schools often promote the idea of diversity and inclusivity, yet there may be instances of bullying or discrimination based on race, gender, or socio-economic status. This creates a false sense of unity within the student body, hindering the development of a truly inclusive and accepting environment. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. Many individuals and groups may feel the need to present a unified front, even if there are underlying conflicts or differences, in order to be accepted and perceived in a positive light. This can lead to inauthentic relationships and a lack of genuine unity. To truly promote unity, it is essential to address and acknowledge these underlying issues and work towards resolving them. This requires open communication, understanding, and a willingness to address uncomfortable truths. As stated by Washington, "true liberty consists only in the power of doing what we ought to will, and in not being constrained to do what we ought not to will." In conclusion, Washington's quote highlights the idea of false unity and the importance of addressing underlying issues in order to achieve genuine unity. This concept can be applied to various situations and groups in today's society, and it is essential for individuals and communities to strive towards true unity through open and honest communication and actions. Question 3 Identify the system in which the people elect the chief executive independently of the legislative branch. 9. In which system of government are the legislative and executive branches inseparably linked? 10. What is the heart of American government? 11. What is the name for the specific powers the Constitution assigns to the national government? 12. What are the three branches of America’s national government? 13. Into what two houses is Congress divided? 14. Who is the chief executive officer of the executive branch of government? – 15. Which branch of government interprets the laws? . 16. What does the Constitution establish as the highest court in the land? Answer The system in which the people elect the chief executive independently of the legislative branch is known as a presidential system. This system is characterized by a clear separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government, allowing for checks and balances to prevent any one branch from having too much control. In this system, the president is directly elected by the people and serves as the head of state and government, making key decisions and implementing policies without interference from the legislative branch. In which system of government are the legislative and executive branches inseparably linked? The legislative and executive branches are inseparably linked in a parliamentary system of government. In this system, the legislative branch, also known as the parliament or legislative assembly, is responsible for making laws and holding the executive branch accountable. The executive branch, led by a prime minister or cabinet, is made up of members of the legislative branch, creating a strong connection between the two branches. What is the heart of American government? The heart of American government is the Constitution. It serves as the foundation of the United States government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the citizens and the powers and limitations of the government. It also establishes the three branches of government, ensuring a system of checks and balances to protect the rights and liberties of the people. What is the name for the specific powers the Constitution assigns to the national government? The specific powers assigned to the national government by the Constitution are known as delegated powers. These powers are specifically granted to the federal government and include the power to declare war, print money, and regulate commerce among the states. These powers are outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. What are the three branches of America's national government? The three branches of America's national government are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. These branches serve as a system of checks and balances, each with their own powers and responsibilities. The legislative branch is responsible for creating laws, the executive branch is responsible for enforcing those laws, and the judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the laws. Into what two houses is Congress divided? Congress is divided into two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives is based on population, with each state being allocated a certain number of representatives based on its population. The Senate, on the other hand, has equal representation for each state with two senators per state. Question 4 Identify the system in which the people elect the chief executive independently of the legislative branch. 9. In which system of government are the legislative and executive branches inseparably linked? 10. What is the heart of American government? 11. What is the name for the specific powers the Constitution assigns to the national government? 12. What are the three branches of America's national government? 13. Into what two houses is Congress divided? 14. Who is the chief executive officer of the executive branch of government? - 15. Which branch of government interprets the laws? . 16. What does the Constitution establish as the highest court in the land? Answer The system in which the people elect the chief executive independently of the legislative branch is the presidential system. In this system, the people directly vote for the president in a separate election from the legislative elections. 9. In which system of government are the legislative and executive branches inseparably linked? The legislative and executive branches are inseparably linked in the parliamentary system of government. In this system, the head of the executive branch (usually the prime minister) is chosen by the legislative branch, and the executive branch is held accountable to the legislative branch. 10. What is the heart of American government? The heart of American government is the Constitution. It sets out the framework and principles of the federal government and outlines the powers and responsibilities of each branch. It is considered the supreme law of the land. 11. What is the name for the specific powers the Constitution assigns to the national government? The specific powers that the Constitution assigns to the national government are known as enumerated or delegated powers. These powers are listed in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution and include the power to tax, declare war, and regulate commerce. 12. What are the three branches of America's national government? The three branches of America's national government are the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch is responsible for creating laws, the executive branch enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them. 13. Into what two houses is Congress divided? Congress is divided into two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate. This creates a bicameral legislature. The House of Representatives is based on population and the Senate has equal representation from each state. 14. Who is the chief executive officer of the executive branch of government? The chief executive officer of the executive branch of government is the president. As stated in Article II of the Constitution, the president is the head of the executive branch and is responsible for enforcing the laws of the land. 15. Which branch of government interprets the laws? The judicial branch of government is responsible for interpreting the laws. This branch includes the Supreme Court and other federal courts, which have the power to determine the constitutionality of laws and interpret their meaning. 16. What does the Constitution establish as the highest court in the land? The Constitution establishes the Supreme Court as the highest court in the land. It is the final authority on the interpretation and application of federal law and the Constitution. The Supreme Court consists of nine justices, who serve lifetime appointments. Question 5 in 8+ sentences how did Jean Jacques Rousseau influence the US Constitution Answer Jean Jacques Rousseau, an influential philosopher and writer during the Enlightenment period, had a profound impact on the formation of the US Constitution. He is known for his political theories and social contract theory which emphasized on the idea of popular sovereignty and the importance of individual freedom in a society. His ideas were widely discussed and debated by the founding fathers of the United States, and they were reflected in many aspects of the US Constitution. First and foremost, Rousseau's idea of popular sovereignty, which states that ultimate political authority lies with the people, can be seen in the Preamble of the US Constitution which begins with the words "We the People". This indicates that the source of power is the people themselves, and the government exists to serve and protect the rights of the people. Rousseau's emphasis on the consent of the governed is also evident in the Constitution, as it outlines the principle of free and fair elections to allow for the voice of the people to be heard. Furthermore, Rousseau's concept of the social contract, where individuals give up some of their rights to the government in exchange for protection and social order, can be seen in many articles of the Constitution. For example, the Bill of Rights guarantees certain rights and freedoms to individuals, but also gives the government the power to maintain law and order for the greater good of society. Additionally, Rousseau's belief in the separation of powers can be seen in the structure of the US government outlined in the Constitution. He argued that the powers of the government should be divided among different branches to avoid tyranny and maintain balance. This led to the division of powers among the three branches of government legislative, executive, and judicial - in the US Constitution. Rousseau's influence on the US Constitution can also be seen in the protection of individual rights and liberties. He believed that the government's primary role was to safeguard the natural rights of citizens, including the right to life, liberty, and property. These rights are enshrined in the Constitution and are protected by the system of checks and balances that Rousseau advocated for. In conclusion, Jean Jacques Rousseau's ideas had a significant impact on the formation of the US Constitution. His theories on popular sovereignty, social contract, separation of powers, and protection of individual rights were incorporated into the foundations of the American government. Without his contributions, the US Constitution may not have been the influential and enduring document that it is today.