Constitutional Compromises
What was the New Jersey plan?
Equal representation (same # of reps per state)
Why do we have Checks and Balances?
To prevent one branch of government from becoming more powerful
What was the document that came before the Constitution that did not allow the federal government to collect taxes and gave lots of power to the states?
Articles of Confederation
What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?
Bill of Rights
What is Limited Government?
The government is legally restricted from doing whatever it wants to do.
What was the Virginia Plan?
Representation in Congress should be based on population
Name ONE example of how the Legislative Branch checks the Executive Branch
*Power to Impeach the President
*Power to Override Presidential Vetoes (2/3 Vote)
*Power to Ratify Treaties
*Power to Approve Presidential Appointments
17
What is a Preamble?
The first paragraph of a document ("We the People..." in the Constitution)
Each branch of government has their own separate powers and responsibilities.
What two houses of Congress came about during the Connecticut Compromise?
*Upper House (Senate): 2 Senators per State
*Lower House (House of Representatives): # of Reps depends on the Population
Name ONE example of how the Judicial Branch holds the Legislative and Executive Branches accountable.
*By declaring executive actions or acts of Congress UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Name an example of an expressed power
Coining money, collecting taxes, regulating commerce, declaring war, ratifying treaties
What does the Elastic Clause ("Necessary and Proper Clause") do?
It gives Congress the muscle to carry out the 17 expressed powers.
Define "popular sovereignty"
Why did the Founding Fathers agree to have slaves count as three-fifths of a person?
Name ONE example of how the Executive Branch checks the Judicial Branch
*The President has the power to nominate federal judges to the bench
What clause says federal law takes higher priority than a state law?
Supremacy Clause
What is the Social Contract Theory?
John Locke's philosophy that says government is derived from "consent of the governed" and that people have the power to choose/remove their government to best fit their needs
What is an example of a Civil Liberty?
Free speech, free religion, free press, right to bear arms, right to an attorney, etc.
Which amendment in the Bill of Rights granted any power not given to the FEDERAL government to the STATES?
10th Amendment (Federalism)
Name ONE example of how the Legislative Branch checks the Judicial Branch
The Legislative Branch can pass Constitutional amendments to go around Supreme Court rulings
The Legislative Branch also approves judicial nominees
Which state was the only state not to appear at the Constitutional Convention?
Rhode Island
What is an example of a power held by State Governments that are not held by the Federal Government?
Issuing driver's licenses, organizing elections, determining age of consent/marriage, COVID-19 protections
What was the name of the revolt that led to the drafting of the Constitution?
Shay's Rebellion