Principles of Government

1. What was the primary aim of the framers of the Constitution in creating that document? 
   • Why did they think it was necessary?
   • What did they hope to accomplish?
   • What did they hope to avoid?
2. Overall, do you think they were successful?
   
   • Why or why not?

Limited Government

1. Are the powers of the federal government adequately limited?
2. Are those in power mindful of the fact that “the people” are the source of their power?
   • How do the people assert their will?
3. Other than in elections?
4. To what extent does public opinion shape government? To what extent does government (the president , Congress) shape public opinion?

Separation of Powers

1. Are the powers of government still adequately separated?
2. Is one branch more powerful than the others?
   • Is this more true for some types of issues than others? i.e., foreign versus domestic policy?
3. Does the balance of power between the branches shift?
   • Issue by issue? Year by year?
   • What sorts of factors influence the balance of power between the branches?

Checks and Balances

1. Have the separation of powers and system of checks and balances properly restrained the government?
   • Or have they produced gridlock?
2. If the executive was always a member of Congress’s majority party would government operate more effectively? more efficiently? less? Explain your answer.

Federalism

1. What evidence of federalism do you see around you? 
2. What responsibilities are left to the states?
3. Are the states up to the job? Why or why not?
4. Has the federal government encroached on these responsibilities? 
   • When?
   • For the better or worse?