Terms and Definitions
In terms of the U.S. government, what does 'Separation of Powers' mean?
The U.S. government is divided into three branches to keep any one person or group from becoming too powerful.
This group believed a strong central government would be more stable than a loose association of states.
Federalists
This compromise resolved an issue between the large states and small states.
The Great Compromise
Makes the laws and declares war.
Legislative Branch
(Congress)
How many states did it take to approve amendments to the Articles of Confederation?
All 13 states has to approve amendments, which meant it was very difficult to make needed changes.
People express their power by voting for members of congress.
Popular Sovereignty
Patrick Henry and other members of this group feared that a strong central government would ignore states' rights.
Anti-Federalists
This compromise determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation in congress.
The Three-Fifths Compromise
Enforces the laws.
Executive Branch
(The President)
Why did the drafters of the Articles of Confederation intentionally create a weak national government?
They feared that a strong central government would abuse individual and states' rights.
The president can veto legislation he doesn't like. How does the Constitution keep the president from abusing this power?
Checks and Balances - Congress can override a presidential veto.
Which group opposed the constitution because it had no Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties?
Anti-Federalists
This compromise created a bicameral legislature to settle a dispute about representation.
The Great Compromise
The president commands the military, but only this branch can declare war.
Legislative Branch
Under the Articles of Confederation the states coined their own money. Was this a strength or weakness?
Weakness
Federalism
What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?
They were written to encourage people to ratify the constitution.
Explain the Virginia Plan.
Virginia wanted representation in congress to be based on population. Larger states would have more representatives.
Approves judges nominated by the president.
Legislative Branch
(Senate)
In what year did the delegates meet in Philadelphia to replace the Articles of Confederation?
1787
Why do we limit the powers of government?
We limit government to prevent abuse of power. For example, cruel and unusual punishment is prohibited by the 8th Amendment to the Constitution.
What deal did Federalists make with the Anti-Federalists in Massachusetts, Virginia and New York to get the constitution ratified?
The Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights to the constitution.
Why were southern delegates at the Constitutional Convention happy to accept the Three-Fifths Compromise?
By counting 60% of their slaves, the southern states gained representatives and increased their political power.
Interprets laws and strikes down laws that violate the constitution.
Judicial Branch
Why did some Americans call for replacing the Articles of Confederation?
It created a government too weak to manage the affairs of the states.