The Framers' Fears
What document failed before the Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation
What does popular sovereignty mean?
People hold ultimate power (“We the People”)
What did the Federalists support?
Federalists supported a strong national government and the Constitution
What are the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution
What are the three branches?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
What event showed the Articles of Confederation were too weak?
Shays’ Rebellion
Define separation of powers.
Divides powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
Why did Anti-Federalists oppose the Constitution?
Anti-Federalists feared loss of state power and individual rights
What was its main purpose?
To protect individual freedoms from government abuse
Which branch can veto laws?
Executive branch (President)
Why did the framers want three branches of government?
To separate power and prevent tyranny
Define checks and balances.
Each branch can check the others (e.g., veto, impeachment)
Name one famous Federalist and one famous Anti-Federalist.
Federalists
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Gouverneur Morris, Edmund Randolph, John Marshall, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
Anti-Federalists
Patrick Henry, George Mason, Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Elbridge Gerry, Luther Martin, James Monroe, Melancton Smith, William Grayson
Give an example of a right protected by the Bill of Rights.
1st Amendment – Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
2nd Amendment – Right to keep and bear arms.
3rd Amendment – Protection from having to quarter (house) soldiers in peacetime.
4th Amendment – Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; warrants require probable cause.
5th Amendment – Rights of the accused: due process, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination, and protection of private property (eminent domain).
6th Amendment – Right to a fair, speedy, and public trial by jury; right to counsel and to confront witnesses.
7th Amendment – Right to a jury trial in civil cases.
8th Amendment – Protection from excessive bail or fines and cruel and unusual punishment.
9th Amendment – Recognition that people have rights beyond those listed in the Constitution.
10th Amendment – Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.
Which branch declares laws unconstitutional?
Judicial branch (Supreme Court)
How did their fear of tyranny shape the new government?
They divided power among branches and levels of government
What is federalism?
Power is shared between national and state governments
What compromise was made to get both sides to agree?
The Bill of Rights
How does the First Amendment protect liberty?
Protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, petition
How does Congress check the President?
Congress can impeach, override vetoes (2/3), approve appointments, and control funding.
How did historical experiences with Britain influence their design?
British monarchy & colonial rule made them value limited power and individual rights
How does the principle of judicial review demonstrate the idea of limited government in action?
Judicial review allows the courts to limit the powers of Congress and the President by declaring laws or actions unconstitutional
How do we still see this debate influence politics today?
Ongoing debates about federal vs. state power or size of government
What year was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
1791
How does impeachment protect against abuse of power?
Allows Congress to remove corrupt officials