Checks & Balances
What is a Check & Balance?
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
The U.S. Constitution supports the idea of federalism. What is federalism?
Federalism is the separation between the state and national governments. It gives each some distinct and shared powers.
What is judicial review?
The practice of the US Supreme Court reviewing the constitutional validity of legislative acts
When the US was still part of Great Britain, what type of government did the US have?
Colonial Governments
The first form of government created after the colonies was called ______________.
The Articles of Confederation
How does the executive branch check the powers of the judicial branch?
The executive branch can nominate federal and supreme court judges.
Describe the Great Compromise.
The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature (the House and Senate). The House would be based on population, the Senate would give equal representation (2 senators for each state).
What is popular sovereignty?
The belief that ultimate power resides in the people
To formally separate the colonies from Great Britain, creating a new nation
What type of geographical distribution of power did the Articles of Confederation use?
The confederal system
The executive branch can veto bills and call special sessions of Congress as needed
In order for the Constitution to pass, Anti-Federalists argued that the Constitution must have _____________.
A bill of rights
What is limited government?
The idea that government cannot be all powerful and restrict peoples' freedom. Because of this, restrictions should be put on the government.
Why did the colonies separate from Great Britain?
-King's abuse of power
-Taxation without representation
-Harsh laws and punishments
-Getting rid of colonial legislatures without approval
Under the Articles of confederation, who had more power: the states or national government?
The states had more power.
The legislative branch can:
-Override vetoes
-Impeach
-Set the federal budget (power of the purse)
-approve nominations and treaties
Describe the 3/5ths Compromise.
For representation purposes, 3 of every 5 slaves would be counted toward the population.
What is separation of powers?
The division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government
Explain taxation without representation.
Taxation without representation is the idea of taxes being placed on people without their approval or colonial representation in the creation of said taxes. They felt like they had no say in how they were treated.
Name one weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
-Lack of common currency
-No executive or judicial branch
-National Congress could not enforce the laws it wrote
-Congress could not levy taxes
-National government could not handle foreign relations
-9/13 states had to agree to pass laws; 13/13 to make changes to the Articles
How does the judicial branch check the powers of the executive branch?
Declare actions of the president unconstitutional
Identify one argument for each side: the Federalists and Anti-Federalists
Anti: Small republic is best, BoR is needed, state governments will have no power under the Constitution
Federalists: Separation of power will ensure a strong but not all powerful national gov, large republic protects rights, states can protect individual liberties, a strong central government is needed to prevent chaos
What is the difference between checks and balances and separation of powers?
Separation of powers specifically defines the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government. Checks and balances are actions each branch can take to limit the power of other branches, ensuring they do not create a power imbalance in government.
The DoI says that humans have unalienable rights. Name them.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
How did Shay's Rebellion demonstrate the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
When Massachusetts needed federal support, they received none. The national government couldn't provide funds or an army to help squash the rebellion.