Compromises of the Constitutional Convention
What did the Great Compromise address?
representation of the states
What was the ruling of Marbury v. Madison?
U.S. Supreme Court decision that established the principle of judicial review—the power of federal courts to declare acts of Congress and executive actions unconstitutional
What are some key features of The Articles of Confederation?
No power to tax people directly
No power to regulate commerce
No power to create and maintain an army
No President
No National Court
What does Article V of the Constitution state?
Sets up the rules and procedures for how the Constitution can be changed or amended through a supermajority of 3/4 of the states' approval.
What is the Electoral College
Body to choose the President
The number of electors (members) is equal to the total number of Congressmen
Each state may decide how to choose their delegates who are sent to the Electoral College
How did the ruling of US v. Lopez shape the national government?
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress cannot use the Commerce Clause to regulate non-economic, local activities that do not substantially affect interstate commerce
Explain Federalist #10
Favored an elite democracy
Did not trust the majority to rule
Faction is inevitable so construct a government to control it
The protection of property is the main purpose of government
What is the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution?
Establishes that federal law takes priority over any conflicting state laws.
Explain the three-fifths compromise.
When counting the population for representation in the House of Representatives, only 3 of every 5 slaves would be counted
What was the ruling of McCulloch v. Maryland?
*DOUBLE JEOPARDY*
Ruled that Congress had the authority to create a national bank and that states could not tax federal instruments, strengthening national supremacy over the states
Explain Brutus #1.
Feared a pluralist and elite democracy
Republic would morph into power being held by a corrupt few
The people’s voices can better be heard by representatives who personally known them
Participatory democracy is desired
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause of the Constitution?
Gives Congress the power to pass all laws needed to execute its enumerated, or expressed, powers
The Virginia Plan based representation on state population, which favored large states. The New Jersey Plan gave every state one equal vote, which favored small states
What constitutional provision was used in McCulloch v. Maryland and how was it used?
*DOUBLE JEOPARDY*
Supremacy Clause and the Necessary and Proper Clause
Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that Congress had the implied power to create the Second Bank of the United States. Even though the Constitution does not explicitly say Congress can charter a bank, Marshall explained that a bank helps Congress manage taxes, borrow money, and regulate commerce.
Marshall ruled that the state of Maryland did not have the power to tax a branch of the national bank. Because "the power to tax is the power to destroy," allowing a state to tax a federal institution would let states override or control federal actions. The Court decided federal law overrides state law when the two conflict.
Explain Federalist #51.
The tyranny of the majority must be limited by the government to protect the rights of the minority
What is the Commerce Clause of the Constitution?
Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with Indian tribes. This clause created a unified economy under a national market.
What was the impact of the Constitutional Convention on US politics?
created the enduring framework of the United States federal government and established the foundational structure for all subsequent American politics.
- Three Branches
- Bicameral Legislative
- Executive Power
What was the difference between National Labor Relations Board v. Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp. and the US v. Lopez?
Jones & Laughlin broadly expanded Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, while Lopez placed a major restriction on it. Both cases centered on whether Congress had the constitutional authority to regulate local, intrastate activities using the Commerce Clause, but the Supreme Court reached opposite conclusions.
Explain Federalist #39
and published in January 1788, explains that the proposed U.S. Constitution establishes a republican form of government and a unique system that blends both federal and national features
What constitutional provision established the principle of federalism by reserving all powers not granted to the federal government to the states or to the people?
For double points, name a time this provision was used.
What is the 10th Amendment?
New York v. United States (1992): The Court struck down a federal radioactive waste law, ruling that Congress cannot "commandeer" state legislatures by forcing them to enact specific state regulations
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison invoked the spirit of reserved state powers to protest the federal Alien and Sedition Acts, arguing that states could declare unconstitutional federal laws void.