Power to the People
Framers & Fears
Branches & Balances
The Articles of Confederation
Federalism and You
100
According to American political theory, who is the ultimate source of government power?
The people
100
What type of government had ruled the colonies before independence?
A monarchy.
100
Name the three branches of government, and what they do.
Legislative - makes laws.
Executive - enforces laws.
Judicial - interprets laws.
100
What was the first U.S. government called?
The Articles of Confederation.
100
What is federalism?
Sharing power between national and state governments.
200
What phrase in the Constitution refers to the people as the source of power?
“We the People”
200
What was “taxation without representation”?
People being taxed by their government without the ability to vote against it.
200
What is the highest court in the country, and how many justices are on it?
Supreme Court - 9 justices.
200
Could the Congress under the Articles of Confederation collect taxes?
No
200
Which level of government controls the military?
Federal
300
What does it mean when citizens give consent to be governed?
They agree to be ruled through elections and laws.
300
Why did the framers distrust centralized power?
Britain abused it.
300
How many members of Congress are there currently?
535
100- Senate
435- House of Representatives
300
Why did the original national government struggle to operate?
It had no money, enforcement power, or coordination between colonies.
300
Which level of government controls elections and education?
States
400
How do U.S. citizens withdraw consent from leaders?
By voting them out of office.
400
Why did the framers believe written rules (governing documents) were necessary?
To prevent abuse by future leaders.
400
What is the presidential impeachment process?
400
What national crisis exposed the weakness of the Articles?
Shays' Rebellion
400
Why did the framers not place all power in the national government?
To prevent tyranny.
500
How does the idea of natural rights limit what Congress is allowed to do?
It cannot pass laws that violate basic rights.
500
How did British rule influence the structure of the Constitution?
It led to limits on government and divided power.
500
List the order of passage for a bill, from start to finish.
(Schoolhouse Rock fans will know)
House Intro
House Committee
House Vote
Senate Intro
Senate Committee
Senate Vote
Presidential Action - sign or veto
500
How did the failure of the Articles convince Americans that liberty required a stronger central government, not a weaker one?
Without enforcement and taxation, the government could not protect rights or keep order. Someone needs to establish precedent, tax codes, and a centralized monetary system.
500
Why does the Constitution list federal powers but not state powers?
Because states keep all powers not given to the federal government. (Context via omission)