American Government

Question One
A social contract can be defined as an agreement between the government and the
citizens. The agreement implies that citizens agree to be governed and impose the responsibility
of protecting their natural rights on the government (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016). If the
government abuses its powers, then the government acts in breach of the social contract. The
breaching of the contract implies that the people are no longer bound by the terms of the social
contract.
Question Two
The limits placed on the national government reflect a system of federalism. Federalism
is an arrangement that creates two autonomous levels of government. Each level of government
has the power and capacity to act directly. State governments play the role of exercising the
functions of the government at the state level (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016). Every state has a
legislature and executive. In addition, it also has a judiciary that plays the role of exercising
judicial authority. State governments help in the delivery of services within their geographical
jurisdiction. Limits on powers help in preventing the abuse of power by those in office.
Question Three
An oligarchic government is a government where power is exercised by a few people.
The government is characterized by high levels of corruption, and the government is comprised
of a few people who form the ruling class. An autocratic government is a government where one
leader exercises absolute power (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016). One difference is that in an
oligarchy, power is helped by a few people, while in an autocracy, power is held by one
individual. In a direct democracy, the exercise of power is done directly without any

3
intermediary. In a representative democracy, citizens vote for individuals who, in turn, enact
policies on their behalf.
Question Four
The Constitution granted the government more power compared to the power given under
the Articles of Confederation. Power to tax, as well as the formation of the military, are
contained in the Constitution (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016). The Constitution is a living
document since it incorporates various changes over time.
Question Five
The Great Compromise involved Virginia and New Jersey. It resulted in the creation of a
two-house Congress. The representation in Congress was based on the population in the House
of Representatives. It also granted that the two states would get equal representation in the
Senate.
Question Six
Individuals' liberty is protected under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the
United States. The amendment gives people the right to life, liberty, and property. The right can
only be deprived through a court proceeding (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016). Further, the Bill of
Rights gives citizens various protections, including freedom of religion, assembly, bearing arms,
and petition. Unreasonable search and seizure are forbidden in the Bill of rights. Cruel and
unusual punishment is also prohibited.
Question Seven
The separation of powers was achieved by dividing the government into three separate
branches, namely the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature. A system of checks and
balances was also put in place (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016). Every branch of government has the

4
power to restrict the other. The Legislature, through Congress, makes laws. The executive and
the federal judiciary are tasked with the implementation of these laws. The president checks the
Congressional powers to pass laws. The president can veto some laws. However, Congress can
also limit presidential powers of vetoing a bill (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016).
Question Eight
Unfunded mandates create an imposition on federal requirements on both state and local
authorities. These mandates are enforced through threats of penalties if they are not complied
with. State and local governments are thus inclined to perform their mandates (Krutz &
Waskiewicz, 2016). General revenue sharing gives minimal restrictions on the expenditures of
both state and local governments. The two are positives since they help ensure that citizens get
the much-needed services.
Question Nine
Enumerated powers are powers that are granted to the federal government in express
terms. These powers are granted by the Constitution. Implied powers, on the other hand, are
powers that are implied by the Constitution (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016). They help the federal
government to execute powers that are enumerated by the Constitution. The two apply to the
federal government. It is important to outline to prevent the abuse of powers by those in office.
The Federal government is granted some powers expressly by the Constitution. These powers are
not granted to state governments, and this is where federalism kicks in.
Question Ten
The federal government can control states through financing. The federal government
controls crucial aspects such as taxation and spending programs. Devolution seeks to pass
authority from the national level to the state level (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2016). The idea behind

5
it is that the national government has taken over areas that should be controlled by state
governments. Cooperative federalism deals with shared responsibilities. Local and state
lawmakers must work closely and cooperate to solve various policy issues. These issues are ones
that affect all levels of government.

6

References

Krutz, G. S., & Waskiewicz, S. (2016). American government. OpenStax College, Rice