Enlightenment Thinkers
Who argued that people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
What was America’s first government called?
The Articles of Confederation
What year was the Declaration of Independence signed?
1776
Which group supported the Constitution "as is" in 1787?
Federalists
What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution?
Bill of Rights
Which Enlightenment thinker promoted separation of powers in government?
Montesquieu
Under the Articles, which level of government had the most power?
State governments
Which English document first limited the king’s power in 1215?
The Magna Carta
Which group demanded a Bill of Rights before ratification?
Anti-Federalists
Which amendment protects freedom of speech, press, and religion?
1st amendment
Hobbes believed people needed what type of government to prevent chaos? (People are inherently evil/bad)
A strong monarchy
Name 2 major weaknesses of the Articles.
- could not tax
- could not enforce laws
- no president
- no army
Which 1689 document gave Parliament power over the monarchy?
English Bill of Rights
Name one of the writers who wrote the Federalist Papers?
- Alexander Hamilton
- James Madison
- John Jay
Why is judicial review important?
- allows the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional
- checks and balances
Rousseau believed that government should be based on what principle? (Democracy)
Consent of the governed (for the people by the people)
What event showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Shay's Rebellion
Name two grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence. (These later become amendments)
- Taxation without representation
- quartering soldiers
- no trial by jury
What was the Anti-Federalists’ main concern about the Constitution?
too much power to the federal government, not enough to state governments (the people)
Which Supreme Court case established judicial review?
Marbury v Madison
John Locke pushed for the idea that people should overthrow a government that does not protect their rights, which Constitutional amendment did this become?
The 2nd amendment
- right to bear arms
- and use those arms to overthrow a tyrannical government if necessary
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail to create a strong government?
created a weak national government that could not enforce laws, regulate trade, or raise taxes.
How did the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights both limit government power?
rulers must follow the law and protect certain rights of the people
Why didn't Federalists want to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution? What was the fear?
- too much power to the people
- what happens if you forget a right?
Why did Anti-Federalists insist on adding a Bill of Rights to the Constitution?
A strong central government would trample the rights of the people which is not democracy