Foundations of the U.S. Federal Government Worksheet
Complete the following chart by identifying the three branches of government and their entities.
U.S. Constitution
Short Answer
Respond to each question in 75 to 100 words.
1. What are some of the historical events that shaped the formation of the U.S. federal government? The fore fathers of the U.S. Constitution based their experiences with England to create the framework of the Bill of Rights. This document, which we adhere to and interpret today, is the framework for such items as no taxation without representation. That means the government is not allowed to tax its citizens without a representative elected by the people, for the people and of the people to enact the laws. It also means that the representative needs to live in the district he/she represents. The right to bear arms, the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is because England tried to restrict who could own a gun. Select one event you think had a major effect on the federal government. How does this event affect U.S. citizens today? In California recently, state Senator Rod Wright lived outside his district boundaries, causing other senators to call for his ouster. This is significant because voters have the expectation that the lawmaker they elect will live in the community he/she represents. Wright had previously been convicted in a court of law for voter fraud.
2. Who were some of the early philosophical contributors to U.S. government? Among the biggies are James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. How did their ideas help shape the current government of the United States? Their ideas are the foundation for the Constitution and the formation of the United States of