People
first president of the U.S.
George Washington
What document, adopted in 1777 and ratified in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States before being replaced by the current U.S. Constitution?
Article of confederation
What amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people?
10th Amendment
Written by John Locke, it states that everyone is equal as they were born with certain rights that are non-negotiable: Life, Liberty, and Property.
Natural Rights
the principle of implied powers was established, affirming the supremacy of the federal government over the states in certain matters. What case, decided in 1819, solidified the doctrine of federal supremacy?
McCulloch V. Maryland
He was one of the main people writing the Federalist Papers, advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution
James Madison
What document, written as a response to the proposed Constitution, argued against the creation of a strong central government and warned of the potential for it to infringe upon the rights of the states and the people?
Brutus 1
Which constitutional amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and guaranteed equal protection under the law?
14th amendment
Individuals are required to be involved in political choices directly, not by a representative.
Participatory Democracy
In this 1995 Supreme Court case, the Court ruled that a federal law regulating guns near schools exceeded Congress's constitutional authority under the Commerce Clause. What case challenged the scope of federal power and affirmed limits to congressional authority?
United States V. Lopez
A key figure in the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution who is also known for his contributions to the Federalist Papers and his advocacy for a strong central government and financial system.
Alexander Hamilton
In Federalist 51, what is the term Madison uses to describe this concept, emphasizing the idea of balancing powers within government?
checks and balances
What clause of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce?
Commerce clause
A theory where those in government only have powers that were given to them directly through the law (constitution)
Limited government
What was the key constitutional principle established by the Supreme Court in McCulloch v. Maryland, which remains influential in defining the relationship between the federal government and the states?
the doctrine of implied powers, which holds that the federal government possesses powers not explicitly enumerated in the Constitution but necessary and proper to carry out its functions.
This Anti-Federalist opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and argued against the Constitution's adoption.
Robert Yates
Under the Articles of Confederation, what was the primary weakness that led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
Lack of a strong central government
What clause of the U.S. Constitution, also known as the Elastic Clause, grants Congress the authority to pass laws that are deemed necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers?
Necessary and proper clause
What concept emphasizes that the power of government comes from the people themselves?
Popular Sovereignty
In the United States v. Lopez case, what was the specific federal law that was challenged as exceeding Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause?
Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990
Who is the philosopher whose ideas influenced the Founding Fathers of the United States, particularly regarding natural rights and the social contract theory?
John Locke
What document outlines the principle of separation of powers and checks and balances, advocating for a system where each branch of government is able to check the power of the other branches?
Federalist 51
Which clause in the U.S. Constitution establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws and constitutions when there is a conflict between the two?
Supremacy clause
These are grant programs that give federal aid for tasks like social services and growing communities.
Block grants
What was the primary issue at stake in the McCulloch v. Maryland case, which centered on the constitutionality of a state's attempt to tax a federal entity?
The primary issue at stake in McCulloch v. Maryland was whether the state of Maryland had the authority to tax the Bank of the United States.