Old Docs
What was the key goal of the documents discussed from England?
Limit the power of the Monarch
What is it called when the meaning and execution of the Constitution changes WITHOUT an amendment being made?
Informal Amendment
This principle of American government simply means: "Power to govern is with the people"
Popular Sovereignty
This compromise convinced Southern states to approve of the new Constitution as it helped them gain representation in Congress
3/5 Compromise
What was the main issue of the Articles of the Confederation?
Couldn't enforce any law or act
The 3 English documents eventually setup the basis for about 6 of WHAT in our Constitution?
Amendments (Bill of Rights)
What fraction of Congress or state conventions is required to PROPOSE an amendment?
2/3
What happens to a law, policy, etc. when the Supreme Court deems it unconstitutional after using "Judicial Review"?
The law/policy is removed/stricken down
How did the American colonists try to protest and resist against the "encroachments" that Britain performed (such as taxes, laws, etc)
Boycotts, Pamplets/Protests
Why did the Articles of Confederation create a government that was so weak, 1 body of Congress, no President or judiciary.
They were fearful of a very powerful government
Why was the idea of a representative government so attractive to the colonists?
It gave them more say in their leadership and government
What fraction of State legislatures or Conventions is required to RATIFY and amendment?
3/4
Name each branch of government and what their overall purpose is.
Legislative - Make Laws
Executive - Execute/Enforce Laws
Judicial - Interpret Laws/Constitution
What was the key reasoning for how the artist painted the events of the Boston Massacre?
Propaganda (bias against the British)
For what reason were American colonists upset about the new taxes that Britain placed?
They had no representation in Parliament
Name all 3 of the English documents that influenced the "3 basic notions" of American Government.
Magna Carta, Petition of Rights, English Bill of Rights
What ability or part does the President have in passing amendments?
None (can ask his/her party to push for one though)
What does the term/principle "Federalism" mean?
Division of power between national and state governments
For what reason did George Washington warn about the formation of political parties?
Leads to government conflict and division of the nation
There were 2 groups that fought over the creation of the Constitution. What were the groups names and what side of the argument were they on?
Anti-Federalists - Against Constitution
The colonists already set up their own courts, sheriffs, and other local offices. These are examples of...
Ordered Government
Why is it so complicated to have an amendment passed?
Bipartisan politics make it difficult to reach the super-majorities necessary for ratification
Provide 1 example of Checks and Balances for each branch of government
A -> B or flipped
B -> C or flipped
C -> A or flipped
Answers may vary
List 3 of the 5 possible ways of informally amending the Constitution and provide an example
Answers may vary
The Connecticut Compromise, allowed for Congress to have a two-bodied Congress. What were these bodies and how were their representatives decided for each state?
House of Representatives - Population of State
Senate - 2 per State