Unit 2 Packet
Reading and Homework
Read pages 57-64
1. Complete the Chart
Where is the Power Located?
Identify
Unitary
Confederation
Federal
What is the relationship between those who make
the law and those who enforce the law?
Identify
Parliamentary
Presidential
Who can participate?
Identify
Dictatorship
Democracy
Republic
2.
What combination systems do we currently have in the United States?
Read pages 65- 73
From the Declaration of Independence
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just
powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes
destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new
Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to
them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness
3.
Make a list of ideas found in the above portion of the Declaration of Independence that are
consistent with John Locke’s ideas.
4. How does the above portion of the Declaration of Independence relate to the economic
concept of the mutual benefit of free exchanges?
Use the diagram below to answer question 5
5. The Articles of Confederation relied on volunteerism from the states in order to function.
Why did the Articles of Confederation function when the states were at war with the British?
Use the diagram to answer question 6
6.
Explain free-riding and how the concept doomed the Articles of Confederation after the
revolutionary war. Brainstorm methods to motivate cooperation.
Read pages 74-79
7.
Complete the chart below
Principle
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
Federalism
Separation of Powers
With Checks and Balances
Define
Current examples from news
Use the Quote to answer question #8
“Our minds tell us, and history confirms, that the great threat to freedom is the concentration of power.
Government is necessary to preserve our freedom, it is an instrument through which we can exercise our
freedom; yet by concentrating power in political hands, it is also a threat to freedom.”- Milton Friedman
8. How do the principles of Constitution demonstrate that the founding fathers shared Milton
Friedman’s view on a concentration of power?
Use the following information to help answer questions #9
The main focus of Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations lies in the concept of economic growth. Growth,
according to Smith, is rooted in the increasing division of labor. This idea relates primarily to the
specialization of the labor force, essentially the breaking down of large jobs into many tiny components.
Under this regime each worker becomes an expert in one isolated area of production, thus increasing his
efficiency.
9. Relate at least one principle of the Constitution to Adam Smith’s ideas of division of labor.
10. How did the founding fathers use competing self-interests to limit the power of the national
government?
Read pages 80-91
11. Complete the chart
Compromise
Connecticut Compromise
3/5th Compromise
Commerce Compromise
Electoral College
Issue
competing points of view
Read pages 92-101
12. How did the system of government created by the founding fathers utilize the self-interest of
people in power to actually limit their power?
Consider in your answer, unlimited re-election, term length, and who elects/appoints who to
office.
Read pages 102- 113
13. Why do all money bills start in the House of Representatives? Consider the idea of voluntary
exchange and mutual benefits.
14. Provide an economic explanation as to why Congress has created committees to review bills
introduced to Congress.
15. How could the power to tax, promote the general welfare, and necessary and proper clause
be used to increase the power of the national government?
Read pages 114-124, 140
16. In your opinion, which is the greatest power of the President? Explain and provide a current
example of the President utilizing that specific power.
17. How have Presidents used their power to create offices to increase the size of the executive
branch? Do you feel that the executive branch is too big? Explain your position.
Read pages 141- 151
18. How does the structure of the judicial branch relate to Adam Smith’s ideas of division of labor
and specialization and the constitutional principle of Federalism?
19. Explain the debate over judicial review and judicial activism. Do you feel that the court has
too much power? Explain
20. Find a current example where the court has used judicial review to determine the
constitutionality of a bill written by congress or an action by the executive.
Read pages 152- 164
21. How is the formal amendment process a good example of federalism?
22. Why are super majorities utilized when amending the constitution?
Read pages 165- 177
23. Summarize the positions of both the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist.
Federalist-
Anti- Federalist-
24. Connect specific amendments found in the Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) to the specific
concerns of the Anti-Federalist.
25. Summarize the debate over unwritten powers. What evidence does the national government
use to support its adoption of unwritten power? What evidence do state right advocates use
to oppose the adoption of unwritten powers by the national government?
26. How did the ratification of the 17th amendment weaken the position of the states?
Read pages 178- 181
27. According to Ben Franklin, “We have a republic if you can keep it.”
Brainstorm a list of what can the average citizen do to “keep it.”