Checks and Balances
Constitution convention
The Enlightment
The Articles of Confederation
Federalism
100
What is checks and balances?
Checks and balances refer to the separation of power to avoid one entity or body wielding too much power. Checks and balances can help reduce mistakes and prevent improper behavior in organizations.
100
What was the goal of the Constitution Convention
The official purpose of the Constitutional Convention was to write the Bill of Rights. The convention of Annapolis came before the Constitutional Convention. The building where the convention met is called Independence Hall. Six states had to approve the Constitution before it was effective.
100
Who was Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher in the 17th century, was best known for his book 'Leviathan' (1651) and his political views on society.
100
What is the The Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States. This document officially established the government of the union of the thirteen states.
100
What is federalism?
A form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states
200
The importance of checks and balances
Checks and balances mean dividing powers amongst constitutional bodies equally to check abuse of power and self-regulate the bodies to prevent autocracy.
200
What is the most basic purpose of the Constitution?
The original purpose of the Constitution was to create one country out of 13 states. Each state had and has a unique government system. Initially, states printed their own money and raised their private armies, at least to a limited degree.
200
Who was John Locke?
John Locke FRS was an English philosopher and physician, widely regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers and commonly known as the "father of liberalism".
200
Why were the Articles of Confederation written?
The colonies knew they needed some form of official government that united the thirteen colonies. They wanted to have written down rules that all the states agreed to. The Articles allowed the Congress to do things like raise an army, be able to create laws, and print money.
200
True of False: The expressed powers are not stated in the first 3 articles of the constitution.
False
300
Define the legislative branch
Oversight of the executive branch is an important Congressional check on the President’s power and a balance against his or her discretion in implementing laws and making regulations. One primary way that Congress conducts oversight is through hearings.
300
What is meant by the conventions of the Constitution?
A constitutional convention is an informal and uncodified procedural agreement. The Conventions are not laws and if there is a conflict between the law and convention, the law prevails.
300
What was the Enlightenment, and why did it have that name, and what did Enlightenment thinkers believe?
The enlightenment was a time in the 1700's in Europe when people began to question old ideas and search for knowledge. The name Enlightenment refers to the light of knowledge that supposedly replaces the darkness of superstition and ignorance. Enlightenment thinkers believed that science and reason could improve people's lives.
300
Weakness of the Articles of Confederation
No power to raise money through taxes (federal/national government was too weak)
300
What are implied powers?
Those delegated powers of the National Government that are suggested by the expressed powers set out in the Constitution; those "necessary and proper" to carry out the expressed powers.
400
Define the executive branch
The branch of federal and state government that is broadly responsible for implementing, supporting, and enforcing the laws made by the legislative branch and interpreted by the judicial branch.
400
Who is considered the "father of the constitution?"
James Madison
400
Which groups of people played the greatest role in the Enlightenment?
Scientists and scholars
400
What replaced the Articles of Confederation in 1788?
Replaced with the current United States Constitution
400
What is the supremacy clause?
Constitutional declaration (Article VI) that the Constitution and laws made under its provisions are the greatest law of the land.
500
Define the judicial branch
The role of the judicial branch in the U.S. government is to explain laws of the country, determine if laws are constitutional and regulate the federal court system, according to WhiteHouse.gov. Members of the judicial branch are appointed by the president with confirmation from the Senate.
500
Who was the presiding officer of the Convention?
George Washington
500
Where did Locke believe a good government got its power from?
The people
500
Why did the Articles of Confederation make the national government so weak?
Did not want to be like Britain; wanted to try something different, giving more power to individual states
ADVERTISEMENT500
Describe the necessary and proper clause
Constitutional clause that gives congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its powers.