At what point did the Constitution become the 'Supreme Law of the Land'?
When it was ratified by 9 of the 13 states.
100
What was Shay's Rebellion?
When Daniel Shay and a group of armed citizens attacked a federal arsenal.
100
What is Congress?
The legislative or law making branch.
100
What branch of government is 'bicameral'?
The legislative branch.
100
Who is the 'father of the Constitution?'
James Madison
200
What future president was present at the Constitutional Convention?
George Washington
200
What did Baron de Montesquieu contribute to the Constitution?
The idea of seperation of powers
200
What is the 'supremacy clause'?
The part of the Constitution that resolves conflicts between the laws of the nation and those of the state.
200
What power does the executive branch hold in our system of 'checks and balances'?
The ability to veto laws.
200
What is the 'Supreme Law of the Land'?
The U.S. Constitution.
300
What does Article III of the Constitution do?
It sets up the Supreme Court and other minor courts.
300
What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
To revise the Articles of Confederation
300
Provide an example of the 'consent of the governed.'
Voters replace representatives who serve them poorly.
300
What was the 3/5 Compromise?
Every 5 slaves would count as three free men for the purpose of representation in Congress.
300
Explain the layout of the U.S. Constitution.
The Preamble, 7 Articles, and the 27 Amendments.
400
What has to happen for an amendment to become law?
It must be ratified by 3/4 of the states.
400
In its original form how were the electors selected for the electoral college?
By each state legislature
400
What did the Ordinance of 1785 allow?
The growth of the United States.
400
Who were the 'Federalists' and who were the 'Anti-Federalists'?
The Federalists wwere in favor of the Constitution where as the Anti-Federalists were againts the ratification of the Constitution.
400
Explain the difference between 'strict' and 'loose' intrepretation of the U.S. Constitution?
Strict intrepretation means you can only do the things the Constitution says you can do. Loose intrepretation means you can make any law the Constitution does not forbid you from making.
500
What are expressed powers? Give three examples.
Expressed powers are those that are given to the federal government. Examples include the ability to coin money, declare war, and make treaties.
500
What does Article IV of the Constitution do?
Its explains the relationship between the states and the national government.
500
From where can many of the ideas expressed in the Bill of Rights of the first state constitutions be traced?
The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights
500
Explain the idea of 'seperation of powers' and how it works.
Government power is divided into three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial). These branches are all equal in power and have the ability to limit one anothers powers.
500
Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
Articles-unicameral, no executive branch, favored states rights.
Constitution-bicameral, executive branch, strong central government.