Articles of Confederation
What was the nation’s first plan of government?
The Articles of Confederation
In what city did the Constitutional Convention take place?
Philadelphia
What is the first part (opening statement) of the Constitution called?
The Preamble
Which branch makes the laws?
Legislative
What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights
Under the Articles, who had more power—states or national government?
The states
Who is known as the “Father of the Constitution”?
James Madison
What is the system that divides power between the federal and state governments called?
Federalism
Which branch enforces the laws?
Executive
Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?
1st Amendment
What event showed the Articles were too weak to keep order?
Shays’ Rebellion
What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
To revise the Articles of Confederation
How many articles are in the Constitution?
Seven
Which branch interprets the laws?
Judicial
Which amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?
4th Amendment
Why couldn’t Congress tax under the Articles?
The Articles didn’t give Congress that power
What compromise created a two-house Congress?
The Great Compromise
What system prevents one branch from becoming too powerful?
Checks and balances
Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?
The President
Which amendment gives the right to a fair, speedy public trial?
6th Amendment
Name one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
(Any one: no power to tax, no army, weak central gov., no president, no court system)
What compromise dealt with counting enslaved people for representation?
The Three-Fifths Compromise
What do we call powers shared by both the federal and state governments?
Concurrent powers
What is the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional called?
Judicial Review
Which amendment says powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people?
10th Amendment