Articles & Constitution
Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison
What event, caused by an economic crisis and government's inability to respond, exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Shays' Rebellion
What was the main debate/disagreement between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
The power of the federal (national) government
What five basic freedoms are protected by the First Amendment?
Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech
The 6th Amendment guarantees the right to what in criminal cases?
A speedy and public trial by jury, and the right to an attorney
True or False: The Articles of Confederation gave the national government the power to tax and regulate trade.
False
Small states favored the New Jersey Plan because it would have created __________ representation.
Equal representation
True or false: The Anti-Federalists wanted a nation of farmers. They were also anti-National Bank
True
Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures is protected by what amendment?
The 4th Amendment
The 8th Amendment prohibits what two things?
Excessive bail/fines and cruel and unusual punishment
Why didn't the Articles of Confederation create an executive branch led by one person?
Fear of giving too much power to one person / fear of a tyrant
The Virginia Plan would have created a two-house legislature based on what?
Population
The word 'bicameral' means what?
Two house (legislature)
True or false: If I burn the American Flag on my own property and do not harm anyone I can't be punished.
True, flag burning is protected by the First Amendment
What does the Supremacy Clause (Article 6) establish?
That the Constitution and federal law are the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.
Who is the final authority on the Constitution?
The Supreme Court
The Three-Fifths Compromise addressed what topic?
How enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation purposes
What did Anti-Federalists demand be added to the Constitution before they would support ratifying it?
A Bill of Rights
What Amendment includes protection against double jeopardy and establishes eminent domain?
The 5th Amendment
What are Reserved Powers and which amendment protects them?
Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or people, protected by the 10th Amendment.
What is the most common way to amend the Constitution?
Congress proposes an amendment with a 2/3 vote in both chambers; then 3/4 of state legislatures must ratify it.
What was the Great Compromise and what did it create?
It combined the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, creating a bicameral Congress with a Senate (equal) and House (population-based).
The Necessary and Proper Clause is also known as what, and why?
The Elastic Clause because it stretches Congress's powers to pass laws needed to carry out its duties.
The Tenth Amendment gives all power not given to the federal government to the ______.
States (and the people)
What is the significance of the Bill of Rights?
It protects individual liberties and limits government power, addressing Anti-Federalist fears about a too-powerful federal government.