George Washington was unanimously elected as leader of the Constitutional Convention. What does unanimous mean?
complete agreement
100
What is the purpose of the Legislative Branch?
Its purpose is to make and establish laws.
100
In what city was the Constitutional Convention held?
Philadelphia
100
What is a compromise?
an agreement where both parties have to give a little
200
What is the separation of power?
Each branch of government has different and separate powers.
200
Based on George Mason's quotation, what were the two most important aspects of government?
"The eyes of the Unites States are turned upon this assembly...God grant that we may be able to satisfy them by establishing a wise and just government."
1-to be wise
2-to be just (fair)
200
What is the purpose of the Executive Branch?
Its purpose is to ensure the laws are carried out; the Executive Branch also commands the armed forces.
200
What did the delegates compose as a result of the Constitutional Convention?
The U.S. Constitution
200
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
an agreement made that only 3/5s of the slaves in a state would be counted towards population and taxes
300
What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
-to ensure that one branch of government never becomes too powerful
300
What are national powers? Give an example.
national powers - powers only held by the national government
Example: make trade laws / trade with other countries / produce paper money and coins
300
What is the purpose of the Judicial branch?
The Judicial Branch decides what laws mean and ensures the laws follow the Constitution.
300
What was the original goal of the Constitutional Convention?
-to revise the Articles of Confederation
300
What was the Great Compromise?
an agreement to create a Congress with 2 houses - the Senate and the House of Representatives
400
Why is it important for each branch to "check" the power of another?
-all branches must maintain a balance of power
400
What are reserved powers? Give an example.
reserved powers - powers left for the states
Example: managing education / managing elections
400
Give one way in which the Legislative Branch 'checks' the Judicial Branch.
The Legislative Branch can refuse to appoint the President's candidate for judgeships.
400
How long did the Constitutional Convention last?
May to Sept; about 5 months
400
Why did the Northern states accept the Three-Fifths Compromise?
-the government could now collect more taxes from Southern states because of the larger population
500
What were the 4 goals of the Constitution?
establish justice, ensure peace, defend the nation, protect the people's well-being and liberty
500
After the Constitution was passed, what was the next step?
9 of the 13 colonies had to ratify it
500
Give one way in which Judicial Branch 'checks' the Executive Branch.
The Judicial Branch can overturn the President's actions if they are found to be unconstitutional.
500
In what month and year did the 55 delegates of the Constitutional Convention meet?
May 1787
500
Why was NJ happy with Roger Sherman's Great Compromise?
Why was VA happy with Roger Sherman's Great Compromise?
NJ - Senate - every state gets two representatives and therefore equal representation
VA - House of Representatives - each state gets representation proportionate to the state's population