General
T/F: The Magna Charta contained the novel idea that the king ought be held under the law.
False--this was not a novel idea!
What is Salutary Neglect?
British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws, especially trade laws, as long as British colonies remained loyal to the government. The colonies governed themselves based on the traditions they brought with them.
Who wrote Federalist No. 1?
Alexander Hamilton
“Power is of an encroaching nature."
James Madison, Federalist 48
What document expressed a "firm league of friendship" for the "common defense"?
The Articles of Confederation (1778)
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Name two.
Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert R. Livingston, Roger Sherman
The Virginia Articles, Laws, and Orders (1610-1611) was essentially _______, not democracy.
A) Socialism
B) Martial law
C) A monarchy
B) Martial law
What is Federalist No. 9 essentially about?
To avoid the extremes of anarchy and tyranny, we need to enlarge the Republic. But the senate represents states, so states retain their identity and power.
The "Civil body politick" was expressed by _____
The Mayflower Compact
What was the first "Bill of Rights" in the new world?
The Massachusetts Body of Liberties (1641)
When was Jamestown founded?
1607
When did the Pilgrims land in Plymouth?
1620
What is a "faction" in Federalist No. 10?
A number of citizens (minority or majority) actuated by passions that are adverse to the rights of some and/or the common good.
"Upon this point all speculative politicians will agree, that the happiness of society is the end of government, as all divines and moral philosophers will agree that the happiness of the individual is the end of man."
John Adams, "Thoughts on Government"
What was the first constitution in America?
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639)
Arguably, what are the two main intellectual strands of the American Founding?
1) Classical/Christian Framework (Augustine, Aquinas, others)
2) Social Contract Tradition (Hobbes, Locke, others)
What was the Declaratory Act (The American Colonies Act 1766)?
Parliament repealed the Stamp Act because boycotts were hurting British trade, so they used the declaration to justify the repeal and save face. The declaration stated that the Parliament's authority was the same in America as in Britain and asserted Parliament's authority to pass laws that were binding on the American colonies.
In Federalist No. 39, does Madison say the new Republic will be Federal or National?
He says it will be mixed--aspects of both federalism and nationalism will be present.
"How came the king by a power which the people are afraid to trust, and always obliged to check? Such a power could not be the gift of a wise people, neither can any power, which needs checking, be from God."
Thomas Paine, "Common Sense"
Was the Mayflower Compact a constitution? Why or why not?
It was not. It was considered a "covenant" by the creators. The compact states that the signers are coming to honor God, to spread the Christian faith, and all on behalf of King James and Great Britain.
Who wrote the Virginia Bill of Rights on June 12, 1776?
George Mason
What year was the Declarations of the Stamp Act Congress written?
1765
How does Madison say the Constitution solves the problem of factions?
Minority Faction: Solved by the republican principle of majority vote
Majority Faction: Solved by extending the republic. By making it larger you dilute majority factions and turn them into minority factions. Since the US is so big, they also won’t know they are the majority and they can’t organize.
"On this occasion we cheerfully recognize our allegiance to to our sovereign Lord, George the third, King of Great-Britain, and supreme Lord of these dominions, but utterly deny any other dependence on the inhabitants of that island, than what is mutual and reciprocal between all mankind."
Silas Downer, "A Discourse at the Dedication of the Tree of Liberty"
What is the difference between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists?
Federalists want the Constitution and a stronger central government.
Anti-Federalists want “federalism” (more government power vested in the states) but think that the federalists are advocating for a too powerful national government.