Articles of Confederation
What document was the first form of government for the United States after independence?
Articles of Confederation
What document replaced the Articles of Confederation?
Constitution
How many branches of government are created by the Constitution?
Three
What system allows each branch to limit the power of the others?
Checks and Balances.
What system of government divides power between national and state governements?
Federalism
What type of legislature did the Articles create: one house or two houses?
One house (unicameral legislature)
Where was the Constitution written and debated in 1787?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Which branch of government makes/writes the laws?
Legislative Branch
Which branch can veto laws passed by Congress?
Executive Branch
Which level of government is responsible for schools and local laws?
States and local governments.
What major powers did Congress NOT have under the Articles of Confederation?
Power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws.
What compromise created a two-house legislature, with one house being based on population, and the other on equal representation?
The Great Compromise.
Which branch is responsible for interpreting the laws?
Judicial Branch
Which branch has the power to declare laws unconstitutional?
Judicial Branch
Which level of government is responsible for declaring war and foreign policy?
Federal
Why did the Articles make it difficult for the national government to raise money?
Congress could not tax states and had to ask for money
Why did some Americans oppose the Constitution before it was even ratified?
Fear that the national government would have too much power and threaten people's rights.
Why did the Founders believe separating power was necessary?
To prevent any one group or person from holding too much power.
How does impeachment serve as a check on the executive branch?
Congress can remove a president from office for abuse of power or breaking the law.
What are concurrent powers, and give one example
Powers shared by both levels of government, such as taxing or enforcing laws.
How did the Articles reflect colonists' fears based on their experience with British rule?
Fear of a strong central government becoming tyrannical like Britain
How did the Constitution balance the need for a stronger government with fear of tyranny?
Creating a stronger government with limits, checks, and protections like the Bill of Rights.
How does separation of powers prevent one branch from becoming too powerful?
Dividing responsibilities so no branch controls lawmaking, enforcement, and interpretation alone.
Why are checks and balances important even though they can slow down government action?
They prevent abuse of power, even if it slows down decision-making.
Why did the Founders choose federalism instead of a fully centralized government?
To balance power, protect states' rights, and prevent a single government from being too strong.