Foundations of Democracy
What are the 3 ideals of democracy (main principles) outlined in the Declaration of Independent?
Natural rights, Consent of the governed, limited government
How many states were needed to ratify the Constitution?
9 out of 13
Students choose not to stand for the pledge of allegiance at school. The school tries to punish the students but the students sue the school because their right to free speech includes the right to not speak. This is an example of which amendment?
1st Amendment
What is federalism/a federal system of power?
Power is divided between a central government and several state/local governments
What are Grants-in-Aid?
Federal grants given to states or local governments to help pay for everyday expenses
What were weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Central government was too weak, no power to tax, no power to draft an army/navy, no uniform currency among the states, no Supreme Court, very difficult to make laws (9/13 had to agree), in order to amend the Articles, all 13 states had to agree
What group supported the Constitution (federalists or anti-federalists)?
Federalists
A young man is pulled over by the police for speeding. The officer asks if they can search Johnny’s car. Johnny says no and the officer leaves after giving a speeding ticket because they did not receive permission to search and did not have probable cause to search. This is an example of which amendment?
4th Amendment
Why did the Framers establish a federal system?
To avoid tyranny by dividing power between multiple levels of government
What are categorical grants?
Grants given for a specific purpose and often comes with strings attached
What did Shays rebellion make people realize?
That the central government was too weak
How did the group who supported the Constitution try to convince states to ratify?
They wrote the Federalist Papers
The government tries a man for murder and loses the case. A jury says he is innocent. The district attorney who prosecuted the case is mad and promises to keep trying him until they get a jury to convict him. This violates which amendment?
5th Amendment
What does the Supremacy Clause declare?
That the Constitution and all federal laws, treaties, etc. are the Supreme Law of the Land
What are block grants?
Grants given for a broader purpose with fewer restrictions
What did the 3/5ths Compromise say?
That enslaved peoples counted as 3/5ths of a person in terms of representation and taxation
Why did the other group oppose ratification?
They were concerned that the central government would have too much power and that peoples individual rights would not be protected
A man is caught while committing a robbery. He is never informed of his rights and is told he has to represent himself during the trial if he cannot afford a private attorney. Which amendment is violated?
6th Amendment
What are different types of federal powers?
Enumerated (expressed) Powers, Implied Powers, Inherent Powers
What does the Commerce Clause state?
The federal government has the right to regulate interstate and foreign commerce/trade
The federal government cuts the military budget by a large amount. Soldiers who are unmarried can no longer afford to live on their own, so the government requires American citizens who do not have children to house the soldiers. Which amendment does this violate?
3rd Amendment
What is the difference between Enumerated (expressed) Powers and Implied Powers?
Enumerated are listed directly in the Constitution and implied powers are additional powers that are reasonably granted from the expressed powers
What does the Full Faith and Credit Clause state?
That states are required to honor the court proceedings, contracts, and acts of other state governments
State powers are not listed in the Constitution, but they are given powers through this amendment
10th Amendment
How is conflict between the federal government and states settled?
By the Supreme Court
What does the privileges and immunities clause state?