Articles of Confederation
Under the Articles of Confederation, who had more power: states or the national government?
States
Two groups debating ratifying the constitution were the
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
What is an amendment?
A change or an addition to the constitution
What is delegated power?
powers given to the federal government
What were two strengths of the Articles of Confederation?
-congress could pass laws
-conducting foreign affairs
-print and borrow $
-add new states
What was the 3/5 compromise?
Which group supported the ratifying of the Constitution?
Federalists
How many amendments are in the Bill of Rights?
10
What is federalism?
A system of government where the power of government is divided between the states and the federal government
What were two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
-couldn't enforce laws
-9/13 states to pass a law
-couldn't regulate trade or collect taxes
-states printed own $
-no national court
What were the two houses under a bi-cameral legislature?
Senate and House of Representatives
Which group supported a weaker central government?
Anti-Federalists
What are two examples of the unwritten constitution?
-presidential cabinet
-political parties
-judicial review
-congressional committees
What is a known as a constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body?
Veto
What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
to set up a basic framework for the government
What compromise solved the issue of state representation?
The Great Compromise which was a bi-cameral legislature consisting of two houses
Why did the anti-federalists agree to ratify the Constitution?
when the Bill of Rights was agreed to be added
Why was the amendment process added to the constitution?
to allow the government to meet the changing needs of society
What is known as the powers given to the state government?
Reserved Powers
The event that showed the Articles of Confederation was ineffective (not strong) was
Shay's Rebellion
What can the federal government regulate under the Commerce Compromise?
interstate and international trade and tax imports
What is the role of each branch of government? (legislative, executive, judicial)
Legislative - makes laws
Executive - carries out laws
Judicial - interprets laws
What did the framers fear when creating the Constitution?
they feared a government with unlimited power
What is a system in which each branch of government is able to restrain the power of others?
Checks and Balances