Articles in Crisis
The national government needs money, but states refuse to contribute. What weakness prevents Congress from solving the problem itself?
No power to tax
A delegate argues that more populous states deserve more representatives. Which plan does he support?
Virginia Plan
Many competing interest groups make domination by one faction less likely. Which document supports this?
Federalist 10
Congress makes laws, the president enforces them, and courts interpret them. What principle?
Separation of powers
Citizens burn a flag during an ardent protest. The city council shuts down the demonstration. Amendment?
First Amendment
Two states impose trade restrictions on each other. What weakness of the Articles makes this difficult for Congress to resolve?
Could not regulate interstate commerce
Small states fear domination by large states. What representation system would they favor?
Equal state representation
A large republic makes representatives too distant from the people. Which document?
Brutus, 1
The president nominates a justice, but the Senate rejects the nominee. What principle?
Checks and Balances
Police search a person’s home without sufficient legal justification and use the evidence in a criminal case. Which constitutional protection is at issue?
4th Amendment
Armed farmers shut down Massachusetts courts. Why does this strengthen arguments against the Articles?
National government was too weak
One chamber is based on population; the other gives states equal representation. What compromise?
Great/Connecticut Compromise
The president vetoes legislation passed by Congress. Which document best supports this structure?
Federalist 51
The Supreme Court declares a congressional law unconstitutional. Name the power AND case associated with establishing it.
Judicial review/Marbury v. Madison
A defendant refuses to answer a prosecutor’s question because the response could be used to prove their guilt.
Fifth Amendment/Self-incrimination
A delegate argues that the national government must be stronger to maintain order. What event provides the best evidence?
Shays’ Rebellion
If only the Virginia Plan had been adopted, which states would have the strongest reason to object?
Small states
According to Madison, why can a large republic protect against factions?
More competing factions
The formal amendment process, changing the language of the U.S. Constitution, has been used sparingly. This is true, in part, because of the difficulty of the amendment process. Two-thirds of _____ must propose a change and three-fourths of _____ must ratify.
Congress; State legislatures
A defendant is denied an attorney and forced to face a criminal trial alone.
Sixth Amendment/Right to Counsel
Why did the framers strengthen national power while also creating checks and balances?
Prevent weakness AND tyranny
What common political problem did the Great and Three-Fifths Compromises address?
Conflicting state interests
John Dickinson, a Founding Father and contributor to the new U.S. Constitution in 1787, wrote: “Let our government be like the sun and the states the planets, repelled yet attracted, and the whole moving regularly and harmoniously in several orbits.”
What founding principle is Dickinson’s metaphor describing?
Federalism
Madison wrote, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” How does the Constitution account for the fact that government is run by imperfect people?
Checks and balances limit government power.
An Anti-Federalist argues that the Constitution gives the national government power but does not explicitly protect citizens from that power. What constitutional development most directly addressed this concern?
Bill of Rights