Government Development
Steps Toward the Constitution
Constitution
Guess the Article
Federalism
100

A system of government that gives power to the people, whether directly or through elected representatives.

Representative Democracy

100

The representatives from 9 colonies this document to send to the King listing how the colonists' rights had been violated.

Declaration of Independence

100

The agreement reached stating the slaves were to be counted as partial people

3/5ths Compromise

100

Established the Supreme Court!

Article 3

100

Powers shared by the national and state governments

Concurrent Powers

200

The idea that groups should influence the government

Pluralist Democracy

200

The first government that was established for the US, which emphasized the power of states over the federal government

Articles of Confederation

200

Idea that each of the 3 branches of government has some degree of oversight and control over the actions of others.

Checks and Balances

200

This article suggests that the states are equal and must respect each others laws and decisions. 

Article IV

200

The government has the ability to control trade between states (interstate) under this clause

Commerce Clause

300

The notion that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people

Social Contract Theory

300

This document argues that the best way to govern people is to have a small government, that can protect individuals liberties

Brutus #1

300

Specific powers granted to Congress under Article I, section 8, of the Constitution

Enumerated Powers

300

"The powers not delegated to the U.S. by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

10th Amendment from the Bill of Rights

300

This Supreme Court decision states federal banks cannot be taxed. The decision further enhanced the power of the federal government.

McCulloch v. Maryland

400

A doctrine that society should be governed by certain ethical principles that are part of nature and, such as, can be understood by reason

Natural Rights

400

Discusses the danger of factions in the government and suggests that small governments could be mislead

Federalist #10

400

Final clause of Article I, section 8, of the Constitution which gives Congress authority to pass, "___ and ___" laws to carry out all enumerated powers.

Necessary and Proper Clause

400

"The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected as follows."

Article II

400

The Congressional use of the commerce clause was denied in this Supreme Court case. 

US v. Lopez

500

This philosopher argued that the government should separate powers

Baron de Montesquieu

500

Uprising in Massachusetts that indicated the need for a stronger federal government

Shay's Rebellion

500

Section of Article VI of the Constitution that emphasizes that federal law takes precedence over state laws

Supremacy Clause

500

This article discusses how amendments can be passed. 

What is Article V


500

The original system of federalism, like a layered cake, federal and state governments saw more separation. 

Dual Federalism

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