Reference no: EM132265541

Chapter 1:

1. Define key concepts, such as government, politics, anarchy, oligarchy, and legitimacy.

2. Define the philosophical underpinnings of the American political system through the exploration of important theories, such as social contract, natural law, and popular sovereignty. Be sure to identify the names of the philosophers influential in each of the different viewpoints.

3. Discuss the concept of democratic government (both direct and indirect) and compare and contrast democracy with other forms of government.

4. Define "political culture" and describe the unique combination of political beliefs and values that forms the American political tradition. Be sure to include in your understanding: majority rule, minority rights, limited government, individualism, and equality of opportunity.

Chapter 2:

1. Describe the structure of colonial governments in America. Analyze the origins and causes of the American Revolution. Provide an understanding of the Declaration of Independence, including the philosophy that was influential in its writing.

2. Describe the first national government, under the Articles of Confederation, including its strengths and weaknesses. Track the series of events that led to the Philadelphia Convention.

3. Explain the principles incorporated in the new Constitution, including: popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and limited government. Analyze the Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, Great Compromise, and Three-fifths Compromise.

4. Interpret the adoption/ratification process for the new Constitution, including an assessment of the role of the Federalist Papers (understand Federalist 10, 15, 46, 51, 69, 70, and 78) and the origins of the Bill of Rights in securing ratification of the Constitution.

5. Describe both the formal and informal processes of amending the Constitution; explain what is meant by a "loose construction," versus a "strict construction," interpretation of the Constitution.

Chapter 3:

1. Define "federalism" and compare it to confederation and unitary systems of government.

2. Explain how the Constitution differentiates between federal government powers (enumerated powers), state government powers (reserved powers), powers under the necessary and proper clause (implied powers), and concurrent powers. Use the table in the book as a guide in recognizing specific powers of government.

3. Explain the significance of the supremacy clause (Article VI of the Constitution), the preemption doctrine, and the full faith and credit clause of Article IV of the Constitution.