First US Government
Constitutional Convention
Constitution
Amendments I
Amendments II
100
What was the name of the FIRST governmental document of the US?
Articles of Confederation
100
2-part question.
1) Where was the Constitutional Convention held?
2) During what season of the year?
1) Philadelphia, PA
2) Summer
100
Who was the main author of the Constitution?
James Madison
100
How many amendments are there in the Bill of Rights?
10
100
Which amendment gives the U.S. citizens the "right to bear arms"?
2nd.
200
Under the Articles of Confederation, how many votes did each state receive?
One
200
Which state did NOT attend the Constitutional Convention and WHY?
Rhode Island-as the smallest state they were quite happy with the strong state power under the Articles of Confederation.
200
Under the Constitution, what are the 3 main branches of US government?
Legislative (law making), Executive (law enforcing), and Judicial (law interpreting).
200
"I plead the 5th" comes from the fifth amendment, which protects you from ________________________.
Testifying against yourself.
200
What is the main reason most pro-gun advocates believe citizens should have the right to bear arms?
To protect against a tyrannical (oppressive/overly controlling) government.
(Self-defense too, but distrust of government comes first.)
300
Under the Articles of the Confederation, which government held more power: State governments or the National government?
State governments.
300
Describe the demographics (details about the makeup of the people including race, gender, etc.) of the representatives who attended the Constitution.
White men.
Optional further details:
Mostly lawyers, planters, and merchants. Ages 26-81. Most had experience in law.
300
Federalism means the power is shared between the state and federal governments. Sort these items into 3 categories: State controlled, Federal controlled, and Shared.
Marriage
Taxes
Military
State: Marriage
Federal: Military
Shared: Taxes
300
What does the 4th amendment protect people from? (remember the vampire illustration...)
Unreasonable searches and seizures. (Police need just cause and a warrant when searching private property.)
300
13, 14, & 15 are also known as the “Reconstruction Amendments”. They all deal (at least indirectly) with what issue?
Slavery.
13 ended slavery, 14 established birthright citizenship, and 15 gave all male citizens the right to vote (regardless of color).
400
Name at least 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Hard to levy taxes*
Hard to pay soldiers or raise an army*
No way to enforce national laws*
No national trade regulation
400
What were the 3 goals of the representatives at the Constitutional Convention?
Check the power of the government.
Balance the power between state and federal government.
Protect the rights of the people.
400
The Constitution was written with 7 main principles. Name one and describe what it means.
Popular sovereignty:
A government’s power comes from the people, and the people have the right to change or replace their government.
Limited government:
The government only has the powers that are explicitly given to it in the Constitution.
Separation of powers:
The Constitution divides the government into three branches.
Checks and balances:
Each branch of government has powers that check or limit what the other two can do.
Federalism:
Power is divided between the federal government and the state governments. (Some powers are shared between them.)
Republicanism:
Rather than directly taking part in government, citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf.
Individual rights:
Each individual citizen has rights which the Constitution must protect.
400
Under which amendment do we find the "right to freedom of religion" and the "right to free speech"?
1st
400
The 18th amendment banned the production & sale of alcohol. This is also known as ____________________.
Prohibition
500
What was the major rebellion that revealed several flaws with the Articles of Confederation? Also, what caused this rebellion and who participated in it? What was their nickname?
Daniel Shay's Rebellion. Unpaid veterans and farmers losing their land over high debts joined Daniel Shay's "regulators" to stop banks from collecting debts. A key event was when 1,500 regulators held a federal armory for several days until they were stopped by a militia hired by merchants.
500
What was the Great Compromise? How did it make both the big and the small states happy?
The Great Compromise
There would be two legislative chambers: The Senate and the House of Representatives.
Larger states were happy because they would receive more representatives based on size. Smaller states were happy because they would receive the same number of senators as larger states (2).
500
What are some examples of "Checks and Balances" between the 3 branches of US government?
500
The 6th amendment deals with your rights in court. Name at least 3 things you have a right to under the 6th amendment.
A speedy trial, a jury of your peers, an attorney, and a right to confront any witnesses.
500
Which amendment gave women the right to vote, starting in 1920?
19th