Founding Documents
Which document established the principle that no one is above the law?
Magna Carta
Who believed in natural rights—life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
Under the Articles, which level of government had more power—states or national?
States
How many branches of government does the Constitution create?
Three
What is federalism?
Division of power between national and state governments
What was the first agreement for self-government in the colonies?
Mayflower Compact
Who introduced the idea of the social contract?
Rousseau
Name one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
Couldn’t tax, no executive, no courts, couldn’t regulate trade, etc.
Which branch enforces the laws?
Executive Branch
Which level of government can establish schools?
State government
Which English document inspired the U.S. Bill of Rights?
English Bill of Rights
Who argued for separation of powers?
Montesquieu
What event showed the Articles were too weak to keep order?
Shays’ Rebellion
What principle means government gets its power from the people?
Popular Sovereignty
Which power is shared by both the national and state governments?
Collecting taxes
What phrase in the Preamble reinforces popular sovereignty?
“We the People”
The Declaration of Independence was most influenced by which Enlightenment thinker?
John Locke
Why was Shays’ Rebellion called the “final straw”?
It proved the national government couldn’t protect citizens or maintain order.
What is the main purpose of the Preamble of the Constitution?
To explain the goals and purpose of the document
Who has the power to declare war under the Constitution?
Congress
Which two historical documents influenced the U.S. government and what core principle did each contribute?
Mayflower Compact – self-government;
English Bill of Rights – limits on power/individual rights
Montesquieu’s quote “Power should be a check to power” supports which principle?
Separation of Powers
Why was the Constitution written to replace the Articles?
The Articles were too weak and disorganized to govern effectively.
Explain how checks and balances prevent abuse of power.
Each branch can limit the others (e.g., veto, override, judicial review, impeachment).
Give one example of a check the executive branch has on the legislative branch.
Vetoing a bill