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-II 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