Articles of Confederation
According to the Articles of Confederation, what powers did Congress have?
Only those specifically delegated by the Articles
What was the result of the Great Compromise?
A two-house legislature (Senate and House of Representatives)
Which English document inspired trial by jury and property rights?
Magna Carta
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Who is known as the “Father of the Constitution”?
James Madison
What prompted the call to rewrite the Articles of Confederation?
Limitations on the central government led to an economic downturn
What is the main purpose of the Preamble?
To state the goals of the Constitution
What idea from John Locke influenced the Constitution?
Natural rights (life, liberty, and property)
Why did the Great Compromise create a bicameral legislature?
To fairly represent both large and small states
What was Chief Justice John Marshall’s role in Marbury v. Madison?
He established the principle of judicial review
According to the Articles, what did each state retain?
Its sovereignty, freedom, and independence
What does the Elastic Clause allow Congress to do?
Make laws that are “necessary and proper” for carrying out its duties
What did the Federalist Papers try to convince people to do?
Ratify the Constitution
What is judicial review?
The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional
What was the effect of the Three-Fifths Compromise?
Gave southern states more representation in Congress
What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
The central government had no power to tax or enforce laws
How does the Constitution show popular sovereignty?
The people choose their representatives
What idea from the Magna Carta is reflected in the Constitution?
People have the right to a trial by jury and to own private property
What is republicanism?
Citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf
Who wrote Two Treatises of Government?
John Locke
According to Article XII of the Articles of Confederation, who was responsible for the nation’s debts?
the United States as a whole (“public faith” pledged for repayment)
What problem can arise from the Electoral College system?
A candidate can win the presidency without winning the popular vote
How did the Federalist Papers help the Constitution get ratified?
By explaining how the government would work and protect the nation
Which principle divides government into three branches?
Separation of powers
How did the Great Compromise peacefully settle the debate between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans?
It combined both — equal representation in the Senate and population-based in the House