Foundations and Philosophy
He believed people are born with natural rights of life, liberty, and property.
John Locke
The first constitution of the United States was called the _______.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
System where power is divided between national and state governments.
What is federalism?
This document announced the colonies’ separation from Britain.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This 1819 Supreme Court case ruled that Congress could create a national bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland?
Hobbes argued that people give up some freedom in exchange for protection — this is called the ________.
What is the social contract?
This event showed the weakness of the Articles and the need for a stronger government.
What is Shays’ Rebellion?
Powers explicitly given to the federal government.
What are enumerated (expressed) powers?
Federalist No. 10 warns against the dangers of ________.
What are factions?
In McCulloch v. Maryland, the Court decided that states could not do this to a federal bank.
What is tax it (or interfere with it)?
Montesquieu’s main political theory that influenced the U.S. Constitution.
What is separation of powers?
Compromise that created a bicameral legislature.
What is the Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)?
Clause that expands Congress’s power to make laws “necessary and proper.”
What is the Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause)?
Brutus No. 1 argued that a large republic would lead to this.
What is tyranny of the elite / loss of liberty?
This 1995 case limited Congress’s power under the Commerce Clause when it struck down a federal law banning guns near schools.
What is United States v. Lopez?
This philosopher believed people are inherently selfish and need a strong central authority.
Who is Thomas Hobbes?
The compromise that resolved how enslaved people would count for representation and taxation.
What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
Type of federalism described as “layer cake” with clear distinctions between state and national powers.
What is dual federalism?
Federalist No. 51 explains how this principle prevents tyranny
What is separation of powers and checks and balances?
Explain how United States v. Lopez changed the interpretation of the Commerce Clause compared to earlier cases.
What is it restricted Congress’s use of the clause, emphasizing that not all activities are “interstate commerce” and preserving state power?
Rousseau believed government legitimacy comes from the ___________.
What is the consent of the governed?
Federalists promised to add this to secure ratification.
What is the Bill of Rights?
Landmark case that established the supremacy of federal law over state law.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?
Jefferson’s idea that governments derive “their just powers” from this
What is the consent of the governed?
Compare the constitutional principles at stake in McCulloch v. Maryland and United States v. Lopez.
McCulloch expanded federal power using the Necessary and Proper Clause and Supremacy Clause, while Lopez limited federal power by protecting state sovereignty under the 10th Amendment