Articles of Confederation
What were the Articles of Confederation?
The first form of government for the U.S. Consisted of a weak central government and very strong state governments (no Executive branch or Judicial branch for the central government).
What is the main role of the Legislative Branch
To make laws
What is the highest court in the United States?
The Supreme Court
Who is the Commander-in-Chief?
The President
What was the Constitutional Convention?
Meeting of delegates from the states to try and come up with a government that would work.
What were the Articles of Confederation’s strengths/accomplishments?
Fighting the Revolution, negotiating end to Revolution & Northwest Ordinance (selling land to create new states).
What does Bicameral mean?
Two chambers/houses
What isa Civil Case?
Non criminal
What is the President’s cabinet?
The group of advisors who head the Executive Branch departments
15
Who was present at the Convention?
Leader from the States including George Washington, Ben Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton
What were the Articles of Confederation’s weaknesses?
Could not make the states work together or solve the country's economic problems. Did not allow for a national army.
What are the two Houses?
House of Reps & Senate
What is a bench trial
Judge makes the ruling instead of Jury
What is a veto?
To “turn down” a law
What were the major debates/concerns at the convention
Big vs. small states (representation). Slavery 3/5th Comp.) , Bill of Rights, taxes. (Virginia Plan and NJ Plan)
What was Shays' Rebellion?
Who was involved?
What was the cause?
Rebellion of Mass. farmers who felt they were being treated unfairly, and that their land was being taken by wealthy speculators.
What are the qualifications for Senators?
30 years old, US citizen for 9 years, live in state when elected, serve for 6 year term
What is judicial review?
When a court determines if a law violates the Constitution.
What does the 20th amendment to the Constitution do?
Start/stop time of a Presidential term (now 1/20)
What is a Preamble?
The intro to the Constitution.
How did Shays Rebellion lead to the end of the Articles of Confederation?
Made many people realize that the country needed a stronger central government to be able to solve the county’s problems.
What are the qualifications for Representatives?
25 years old, US citizen for 7 years, live in state & District they represent, serve for 2 years
What two types of courts do we have?
State and Federal
What does the 25th amendment to the Constitution do?
Outlines what happens if a president becomes disabled or is removed from office.
What does the Preamble state the reason for the Constitution is?
To form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for common defence, promote general welfare, ensure domestic tranquilty.