MAPP501 - WEEK 3 - Weekly Reading Notes

MAPP501: Week 3 – Foundations
of Democracy
American Public University




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,Course Objectives:
1. CO1: Examine the roots of democratic principles as they apply to
public policy.
2. CO3: Formulate a discipline specific lexicon through which you can
describe complex social problems.




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,Course Objectives:...........................................................................................2
The Anti-Federalist Papers #45: Powers of National Government Dangerous
to State Governments; New York as an Example.............................................9
Context & Purpose........................................................................................9
Summary of Main Arguments........................................................................9
1. Federal Consolidation Will Destroy State Sovereignty...........................9
2. State Constitutions Are Rendered Powerless.......................................10
3. Dangerously Vague Federal Powers.....................................................10
4. Loss of Individual Liberties...................................................................10
5. The Federal Military Threat..................................................................11
6. Naturalization & Civil Privileges...........................................................11
7. Destruction of State Government Function..........................................11
Philosophical Roots.....................................................................................12
Takeaways for Understanding the Antifederalist Position...........................12
Conclusion...................................................................................................12
APA Citation.............................................................................................12
The Anti-Federalist Papers #47: “Balance of Departments Not Achieved
Under New Constitution.................................................................................14
Context & Purpose......................................................................................14
Summary of Main Arguments......................................................................14
1. Critique of Adams’ Theory of Mixed Government................................14
2. True Liberty Requires Simplicity and Accountability............................15
3. Condemnation of the Proposed Senate................................................15
4. Flawed House of Representatives........................................................15
5. Ineffective Checks & Imbalanced Power..............................................16
6. The People Must Remain Sovereign.....................................................16
Takeaways for Understanding the Antifederalist Position...........................17
Philosophical Roots.....................................................................................17
APA Citation................................................................................................17


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, The Anti-Federalist Papers #51: Do Checks and Balances Really Secure the
Rights of the People?.....................................................................................18
Overview.....................................................................................................18
Structure of the Document.........................................................................18
Part I: The Blessings of Subordination......................................................18
Part II: Elections, Armies, and the Useful Poor.........................................18
Part III: The Glorious Tyranny to Come....................................................19
Tone & Literary Strategy.............................................................................19
Key Themes................................................................................................20
Natural Hierarchy.....................................................................................20
Manipulated Democracy..........................................................................20
Militarization and Coercion.......................................................................20
Erosion of Popular Sovereignty................................................................20
The Constitution as a Tool of Tyranny......................................................20
Notable Quotes & Their Meaning................................................................20
Historical & Political Context.......................................................................21
Suggested Discussion Questions................................................................21
The Anti-Federalist Papers #67: Various Fears Concerning the Executive
Department....................................................................................................23
Context:......................................................................................................23
Main Criticisms of the Executive Branch:....................................................23
1. Vagueness in Presidential Election Provisions:....................................23
2. Danger of Concentrated Power and Long Tenure:...............................23
3. Extent of Presidential Powers:..............................................................23
4. Lack of Constitutional Council:.............................................................24
5. Vice-President's Role Critiqued:...........................................................24
6. Indirect Election Process:.....................................................................24
7. Potential for Aristocracy or Monarchy:.................................................24
8. Contrast with New York State Government:.........................................24
Underlying Themes:....................................................................................25
Significance:................................................................................................25

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