Founding Principles of American Government

The video explores the concept of republicanism as the American founders experimented with forming a new government. It discusses the challenges of defining the relationship between states and the national government, the transition from colonies to states, and the differing views on republicanism. The video also examines the creation of state constitutions, highlighting their similarities and differences, particularly in terms of voting rights and the fear of centralized authority. Finally, it looks at historical models that influenced the founders, though none perfectly fit the new American context.

What was one of the main challenges the founders faced when creating a new government?

• Deciding on a national religion

• Establishing a national currency

• Balancing state and national interests

• Choosing a national language

What is a key characteristic of a republic?

• Rule by a single party

• Citizens rule through elected representatives

• Rule by a monarch

• Direct rule by the people

Which view of republicanism suggests that personal pursuits benefit the nation?

• Prioritizing national good over individual interests

• Citizens pursuing their own economic and political interests

• Centralized authority

• Direct democracy

What was a common feature of state constitutions regarding government power?

• Unlimited power for leaders

• Limited powers of government leaders

• No separation of powers

• Centralized authority

Which right was commonly guaranteed by state constitutions?

• Right to bear arms

• Freedom of religion

• Right to privacy

• Right to education

In which state were women temporarily allowed to vote?

• Massachusetts

• New Jersey

• Virginia

• New York

What was a requirement for voting in some states?

• Being a military veteran

• Being a member of the clergy

• Being a college graduate

• Being a landowner

Which historical model of a republic was considered by the founders?

• The French Republic

• The Chinese Empire

• The Roman Republic

• The Ottoman Empire

Why did no historical model perfectly fit the needs of the new American government?

• They were all monarchies

• They did not balance state and national governance

• They were too democratic

• They were too centralized

Which Italian cities were considered as models for self-governing city-states?

• Naples and Turin

• Genoa and Pisa

• Rome and Milan

• Venice and Florence