AP GOV SAQ HELP

Question

Respond to all parts of the question . In your response , use substantive examples where appropriate In 1995 the United States House of Representatives approved a bill that would make English the official language of the United States. The vote was 259 to 169, with 223 Republicans and 36 Democrats voting in favor and 8 Republicans , 160 Democrats, and 1 independent voting against . The debate was intenseand partisan Arizona is one of several states that have passed " Official English" or " English Only" laws. Source: Robert King, " Should English be the Law ?" The Atlantic, April 1997 After reading the scenario, please respond to A, B, and below. A. Describe how another political institution can influence the advancement of the federal legislation in the scenario. B. Explain how the institution described in part A is affected by another governmental entity in the context of the scenario. C. As of 2018, states have continued to pass English-only laws, but the national government has not yet passed a federal law declaring English as the official language. Currently, a total of 31 states have English-only policies. Explain how this information and the scenario illustrate Madison's argument in The Federalist 10.

Answer 1

A.

The Senate can influence the advancement of the bill by debating, amending, filibustering, or voting on it after it passes the House. Even if the House approves the legislation, the Senate can block it through a filibuster or reject it by majority vote. This demonstrates bicameralism, where both chambers must agree before legislation can move forward.

B.

The Senate is affected by the president because once both chambers pass the bill, the president can sign it into law or veto it. If vetoed, Congress must secure a two-thirds vote in both chambers to override. This reflects checks and balances, where executive power limits legislative authority.

C.

This scenario reflects Madison’s argument in Federalist 10 that a large republic controls the effects of factions. While individual states have passed English-only laws reflecting local majority preferences, the national government has not adopted a federal version. The diversity of interests in a large republic makes it harder for one faction to dominate national policymaking, illustrating Madison’s claim that an extended republic reduces the risk of majority tyranny.

Answer 2

State legislation mandating English as the official language is clearly unconstitutional. It violates the Constitution and would be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. There is nothing in the Constitution that limits the ability of an individual to utilize the language of their choice.