Challenges
Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress couldn't _________________.
collect taxes, enforce laws, establish an army, or make laws about trade
What is the job of each Branch of Government?
Legislative - Make the laws
Executive - Carry out the laws
Judicial - Study the laws
The Declaration of Independence lists our natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Why were these included?
They are rights that all people are born with and cannot be taken away!
The purpose of our military is to ___________________.
provide for the defense of the nation
The following are weaknesses of what document?
- There was no strong national government
- No leader controlled the government
- Couldn't establish an army without permission from all states
- Couldn't collect taxes or provide a common currency
- Could make laws, but couldn't enforce them (states were constantly arguing)
- Each state had one vote and everyone had to agree
The Articles of Confederation
Who is the leader of each Branch of Government?
Legislative - Congress (House and Senate)
Executive - President
Judicial - Supreme Court
What is a power of only the Federal Government?
- declare war
- coin/print money
- maintain an army
Why does our Constitution start off with "We the people of the United States..."?
To show that our government gets its power from the people. We are a united group of states working together for a common purpose.
What argument did the Three-Fifths Compromise settle?
It settled the issue on how slaves would be counted.
What is the purpose of our Checks and Balances system?
To make sure no one branch has too much power.
What is a power that is shared by the federal and state governments?
- Taxing citizens
- Establish courts
- Make and enforce laws
- Borrow money
- Oversee trade
- Build roads
The Framers of the U.S. Constitution established a federal system of government. The U.S. Constitution gives certain powers to the federal government. Any powers not reserved for the federal government are given to __________.
the states
Why was George Washington such a great leader for the Constitutional Convention?
He was trusted and respected by all American people after the American Revolution.
Why was the Bill of Rights added to our Constitution?
The Constitution didn't do enough to protect individual rights.
What is a power of only the State Government?
- manage public health
- conduct elections
- develop school systems
What is covered in our first amendment?
The freedoms of assembly, speech, press, religion, and petition.
What was the purpose of the Great Compromise?
It was how the large and small states came together and formed an agreement on how they would be represented in Congress. Congress was split into two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the Senate each state had 2 representatives (regardless of size) and in the House, representation was based on population.
What is popular sovereignty?
The idea that government authority/power comes from people who have agreed to be governed.
In the U.S., citizens choose representatives and decide issues by voting. The representatives are responsible for making laws and decisions that protect the rights and well-being of the citizens. People are the source of the government's authority. This government structure is called a ________________ _______________.
Representative Democracy
As citizens of the United States, it is our civic responsibility to ________________.
vote and stand up for what we believe in