Chapter+2+Gov.

THE CONSTITUTION

THE AMENDMENTS

The study of modern politics in the United States requires students to examine the kind of government established by the Constitution, paying particular attention to federalism and the separation of powers. Understanding these developments involves both knowledge of the historical situation at the time of the Constitutional Convention and an awareness of the ideological and philosophical traditions on which the framers drew. Such understanding addresses specific concerns of the framers: e.g., Why did Madison fear factions? What were the reasons for the swift adoption of the Bill of Rights? Familiarity with the Supreme Court's interpretation of key provisions of the Constitution will aid student understanding of theoretical and practical features of federalism and the separation of powers. Students should be familiar with a variety of theoretical perspectives relating to the Constitution, such as democratic theory, theories of republican government, pluralism, and elitism.
 * 1) **Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government (5%–15%)**
 * 1) Considerations that influenced the formulation and adoption of the Constitution
 * 2) Separation of powers
 * 3) Federalism
 * 4) Theories of democratic government

Video Overview of Chapter 2

Chapter 2 Outline