What are some key ideas in the Declaration of Independence?

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Define and explain the fundamental principles and correlative assumptions of representative democracy. Be sure to give examples.

Popular Sovereignty
Political Equality
Political Liberty
2.Give examples in U.S. politics and society where these principles are violated. In other words, show how the United States is not very democratic. In addition, explain how some democratic practices such as majority rule can lead to majority tyranny.

Popular Sovereignty
Political Equality
Political Liberty
Chapter Two: The Constitution
Questions
1. What are some key ideas in the Declaration of Independence? What legacy did it leave?

2.List and explain the FAILURES of the Articles of Confederation as a governing document (i.e., what the federal government could not do?)

3.Describe the political environment that led to the Constitutional Convention and explain what the Founders intended to accomplish. What did Shays’ Rebellion have to do with this?

4.List and explain the characteristics of a republican form of government. How is the United States more of a republic than a democracy? See Table 2.1 on p. 35 (10th ed) p.34 (11th).

5.What were some of the main controversies surrounding the drafting and ratification of the Constitution? See pp. 38-43.

6.Describe the major compromises that were adopted at the Constitutional Convention.

7.From pages 43-48 (10th ed.), or pp. 44-49 (11th) list and explain the basic principles of the Constitution.

Chapter Three: Federalism
Questions:
1. Define federalism.

2.What defining characteristics of federalism can be found in the Constitution?

3.What are the two major positions on what the balance between the federal and state governments should be? Briefly explain them.

4. Define and give the pros and cons of each of the following:

Categorical grants
Block grants
General revenue sharing
Grants in Aid
Conditions on grants
Mandates
5. List and explain the pros and cons of a federal system.

6. Using the Democracy Standard, IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain how federalism constrains democracy in five ways.