Foundations & Principles of American Government
What is the name for the system designed to ensure no single branch of government (Executive, Legislative, or Judicial) accumulates too much power
Checks and Balances
Why were the Articles of Confederation replaced?
the central government it created was entirely too weak to manage the country, enforce national laws, or pay off its debts.
The Executive Branch enforces the laws. The Legislative branch makes the laws. The Judicial Branch interprets the laws.
Who lived in America before European explorers?
Native Americans
What was the name of the War fought between the North and the South?
Civil War
What is the principle that laws apply equally to all citizens, including elected government officials and leaders.
Rule of Law
How did the Great Compromise give power to both large and small states?
The House of Representatives: Representation is based on state population.
The Senate: Every state gets equal representation (two Senators per state).
How long is a senator's term?
6 years
What was the slogan used by Americans to protest having to pay taxes when they had no representatives in Parliament?
No taxation without representation
What invention led to an increase in cotton production and a greater demand for slave labor?
cotton gin
Which amendment allows states the authority to issue driver's licenses?
10th
How many amendments to the Constitution are there?
There are currently 27 total amendments.
What is the name for the president's top advisors?
the Cabinet
This man served as the ambassador to France during the American Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin
The Louisiana Purchase
What type of economy do we have in the United States?
Capitalist (Market) economy.
Why were the Federalist Papers written?
to convince voters to ratify the Constitution
What is the name for the system Americans use to elect the president?
Electoral College
Washington warned about joining these in his farewell speech?
political parties
This proclamation was made by Lincoln to weaken the Confederacy's wartime resources by freeing the slaves in the South
Emancipation Proclamation
The phrase "We the people" in the Constitution refers to the idea of popular sovereignty. What does popular sovereignty mean?
The people of a nation or place vote on their leaders to make laws. The power comes from the people.
What compromise did the Federalists have to make to get people to vote for the Constitution?
They added the Bill of Rights
What is the name of the court case that gave the Supreme Court the power of Judicial Review?
Marbury vs Madison
Some people find it ironic that slavery was allowed in America even though the Declaration of Independence states that "All men are ___________ _________
Created equal
Where were the first shots of the Civil War fired?