General Vocab
What is social contract?
A theory about how governments formed stating that people trade some personal freedom for the security of everyone.
Both answers allowed:
Loose constructionist - believes the government can do whatever, as long as Constitution does not say it can't
Strict constructionist - believes the government should do exactly what is stated and allowed in the Constitution
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Formal announcement that the American colonies were now independent from the British rule
What are the four characteristics of a State?
Government, sovereignty, population, territory
Where are your basic rights outlined within the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights, aka the first ten amendments of the Constitution
What is the definition for Sovereignty?
When a state has supreme authority to make laws within its own borders and determine its relationship with other countries.
Correct the statement: The federalists believed a strong central government would strip us of our rights and would favor giving states greater power.
Anti-Federalists: believed strong central government would strip us of our rights and favored giving states greater power
Federalists: believed if the U.S. was going to survive, a strong central government was needed to defend itself and control the economy
What is the Articles of Confederation?
The first Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788
What is another name for Delegated Powers?
Enumerated Powers.
What does the 3rd Amendment state?
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
What is ratification?
Formal approval by congress or the states of a treaty, constitution or constitutional amendment.
Correct the statement: The commerce clause ensures the federal government is more powerful than the states.
Both answers acceptable:
Commerce clause - Congress has power to regulate commerce with foreign nations
Supremacy clause - ensures Federal government is more powerful than the states
What is the Connecticut Compromise?
An agreement reached at the constitutional convention that divided congress into two houses: House of Representatives and the Senate
What are the two types of Autocracies?
Monarchy and dictatorship.
Why did the Anti-Federalists initially refuse to sign the Constitution?
Because it "did not protect the fundamental principles of liberty"
What is a Federation?
A union compromising a number of partially self-governing provinces united by a strong central government.
Correct the statement: The three sections of the Constitution describing the structure and powers of the three branches are the Articles.
The SEVEN sections of the Constitution describing the structure and powers of the three branches are the Articles.
What is the Magna Carta?
The first document which forced a monarch to accept limitations to their power.
What are the five freedoms guaranteed in the first amendment?
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assemble/protest, petition to the government.
What are the three major parts of the U.S. Constitution?
The Preamble, The Articles, The Amendments
What is the elastic clause?
Part of Article I giving Congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" to carry out its delegated powers.
Correct the statement: Delegated powers belong to the state government.
Delegated powers specifically belong to the federal government, this is implied by the Constitution
What did the Petition of Right (1628) state?
Government could not tax without consent and could not quarter troops in your house without permission.
What were the two "good" things the federal government accomplished under the Articles of Confederation?
The Treaty of Paris and Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
What does the 8th Amendment state?
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.