Founding Ideas of Government
Name one ancient country/nation whose government greatly impacted the founding fathers
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
This document was replaced by the Constitution and can be characterized by its creation of a weak central government
The Articles of Confederation
What is meant by the term "Due Process?"
"Innocent until proven guilty"
The Bill of Rights is the first ______ amendments to the Constitution?
10
What is Federalism?
A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state government
This book is the most quoted in the Declaration of Independence
The Bible
Describe the two main issues that came up during the Constitutional Convention
- Slavery
- Representation
What is one promise or guarantee that is made in the Preamble of the Constitution?
-Form a more perfect union
- Establish justice
- Ensure domestic tranquility
- Provide for the common defense
- Promote general wellfare
What are the 3 basic freedoms provided by the 1st Amendment?
-Speech
-Religon
-Assembly (Protest)
Name one of the Key Enlightenment Thinkers:
Thomas Hobbs, John Locke, Barn De Montesquieu, Jean-Jaques Rousseau
List 2 of the 4 "roots" of colonial government.
- English Enlightenment
- French Enlightenment
- Judeo-Christian Values
- English Roots
Describe some of the problems the United States faced under the Articles of Confederation:
- No taxing abilities
- Could not support Washingtons armies financially
- Shey's Rebellion
- States rights overpowered the central government
Articles I-III of the Constitution establish what?
The three branches of government
(Legislative, Judicial, Executive)
What amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure?
4th Amendment
The Strict Construction of the Constitution would be:
(Hint: How are we interpreting the constitution?)
A literal reading of the Constitution, word for word.
Asking questions such as: How exactly did the framers intend for this law to work?
Name one of the laws/documents that were crucial to Englands system of government.
-The Magna Carta
-Petition to Right
- English Bill of Rights
Describe the differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan
(Hint: Think about the Constitutional Convention Activity)
Virginia Plan: Favored a stronger central government. Wanted a Bicameral or two house legislature
New Jersey Plan: Favored a weaker central government. Wanted a Unicameral or one house legislature
Explain the ratification process:
1.) Must be passed by a 2/3 vote in BOTH houses of legislature
2.) Must be ratified by 3/4 of the 50 states
What amendment bans excessive bail or unusual punishment?
8th Amendment
Describe two characteristics of the Enlightenment Period
(French or English)
- Focused on "common sense" thinking
- Social Contract Theory
- Helped inspire the ideas of separation of powers & popular sovereignty
Describe the viewpoint of the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist parties?
What conclusion did they come to?
Federalists: Supported the ratification of the Constitution. Wanted a strong central government
Anti Federalists: Opposed ratification. Wanted a weak central government.
Agreement: The passing of a Bill of Rights
Describe 2 eras in U.S History where there was considerable changing of the Constitution
- The Civil War Era
- Progressive Era
- The Civil Rights Era
What does the term "Eminent Domain" mean pertaining to the constitution?
The government must pay compensation when taking private property or other forms of property
List 2 things judges have to consider when examining the Constitution in a court hearing?
-The exact wording of the Constitution itself
-The original intent of the framers of the constitution. (What where they trying to do?)
-Court precedent, or past decisions of the Supreme Court
-The practical consequences for society of a particular interpretation
-Basic moral and ethical values