Compromises
What compromise was used to settle the slavery problem, and what did it do?
The Three-Fifths Compromise settled the issue of counting enslaved people. Each enslaved person would count as three-fifths of a person for both representation and taxes.
The right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude is protected by which amendment?
15th amendment
What event led to the formation of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist groups?
The event that led to the formation of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist groups was the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the subsequent debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
What were some changes made in the Constitution that were different from the Articles of Confederation?
The Constitution created a stronger central government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
It gave Congress power to tax and regulate trade.
Established a president to lead the country.
Created a federal court system, including the Supreme Court.
Made it easier to change the government with a flexible amendment process.
Allowed the federal government to raise and maintain an army.
How do Articles I, II, and III work together to establish the separation of powers, and what checks and balances exist between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Articles I, II, and III establish the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, dividing power among them to prevent tyranny. Article I gives Congress the power to make laws, Article II gives the President power to enforce them, and Article III gives courts the power to interpret them. Through checks and balances, each branch can limit the others—for example, Congress can override vetoes, the President can appoint judges, and courts can strike down unconstitutional laws.
What was the Great Compromise, and how did it settle the disagreement between the large and small states during the Constitutional Convention?
- The Great Compromise was an agreement made during the Constitutional Convention to settle a big argument between large states and small states.
- It created two houses of Congress:
The House of Representatives, where the number of votes depends on the state's population (like the Virginia Plan).
The Senate, where every state gets two votes (like the New Jersey Plan).
Which amendments together expanded voting rights to African Americans, women, and 18-year-olds, and in what order were they ratified?
15th, 19th, 26th
What were the Federalist Papers, and who wrote them?
The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written to explain and support the new U.S. Constitution. They were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The essays helped convince people to agree with the Constitution and support its ratification.
What were the three branches of government, and what are they responsible for?
Legislative Branch – Makes laws. This branch is made up of Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Executive Branch – Enforces laws. It is headed by the President, who also commands the military and handles foreign affairs.
Judicial Branch – Interprets laws. It consists of the Supreme Court and other federal courts, which ensure laws are constitutional.
In what ways do Articles IV, V, and VI help unify the states under one federal system while still allowing for constitutional change and respecting state powers?
Articles IV, V, and VI help unify the states by balancing federal power with state rights. Article IV requires states to respect each other’s laws and ensures a republican government. Article V allows for constitutional amendments, giving both states and the federal government a role in change. Article VI makes the Constitution the supreme law, requiring states to follow it while still protecting their participation in the system.
Which two plans was the Great Compromise made after, and what did those plans want the Constitution to include?
The two plans were the Virginia Plan, which called for a bicameral legislature (two houses) with representation based on population or financial contributions, and the New Jersey Plan, which proposed keeping a unicameral legislature (one house) with equal representation for each state, regardless of size.
What rights does the Sixth Amendment guarantee to people accused of crimes?
A speedy and public trial
An impartial jury
Be informed of the charges against them
Confront and question witnesses
Have their own witnesses
Have a lawyer to help defend them
Why did Anti-Federalists argue that the proposed Constitution threatened individual liberties, and how did Federalists respond?
Anti-Federalists feared the Constitution gave the government too much power and didn’t protect individual rights. Federalists said the government had checks and balances and promised to add a Bill of Rights to protect freedoms.
In what ways do the separation of powers and checks and balances differ, and how do they work together to maintain governmental stability?
Separation of powers divides government into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—each with its own role. Checks and balances let each branch limit the others to prevent abuse of power. For example, Congress makes laws, the president can veto them, and the courts can strike them down. Together, these systems keep power balanced and government stable.
How do the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause work together to protect religious freedom in the United States?
The Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause work together to protect religious freedom by ensuring two key things: The Free Exercise Clause guarantees individuals the right to practice any religion they choose—or no religion at all—without government interference. At the same time, the Establishment Clause prevents the government from creating an official religion or favoring one religion over others.
Why was the compromise over slavery, including the Three-Fifths Compromise, seen as a necessary but temporary solution?
The compromise over slavery, including the Three-Fifths Compromise, was seen as necessary because it helped the Southern and Northern states agree on how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxes. Without this agreement, the Southern states might not have joined the new nation. However, it was also seen as temporary because many people hoped slavery would eventually end, and the compromise didn’t solve the deeper conflicts about slavery—it only delayed them.
How do the 5th and 14th Amendments both guarantee due process, and what is the key difference between them?
* The 5th Amendment protects people from unfair treatment by the federal government.
Together, they ensure that all levels of government must respect your fundamental rights.
How did Federalists and Anti-Federalists differ in their views on taxation and government spending?
Federalists wanted a strong central government to collect taxes and fund national needs. Anti-Federalists feared this power could be abused and preferred states to control taxes and spending.
How did the framers ensure a stronger national government without risking the rise of tyranny?
The framers ensured a stronger national government by dividing power among three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—and creating a system of checks and balances so no branch could dominate. They also listed specific powers for the federal government (enumerated powers) and reserved all other powers to the states. This structure, outlined in the Constitution, allowed for effective national authority while protecting against tyranny.
How does the Commerce Clause empower Congress to regulate economic activity, and provide a specific example?
The Commerce Clause lets Congress regulate trade between states and with other nations. In McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), the Supreme Court ruled that Maryland couldn’t tax the national bank, showing federal laws are stronger than state laws. This case reinforced federal power and limited state interference.
How did the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise reflect the different interests of the states during the Constitutional Convention?
The Great Compromise solved the fight between big and small states by creating two parts of Congress: the House (based on population) and the Senate (equal for every state). The Three-Fifths Compromise decided that enslaved people would count as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxes. These compromises helped balance power and made the Constitution possible.
How do the 22nd, 25th, and 27th Amendments address issues related to federal government leadership and accountability?
They set limits on presidential and congressional powers, and establish succession. Together, these amendments reinforce stability, prevent abuse of power, and protect democratic processes.
What does it mean to be a strict constructionist or a loose constructionist, and what are some examples related to the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
Strict constructionists follow the Constitution exactly and believe the government only has powers written in it. Anti-Federalists were strict constructionists who wanted less federal power. Loose constructionists believe the Constitution can be interpreted more flexibly to allow the government to do what’s needed. Federalists were loose constructionists who wanted a stronger federal government.
Describe a situation where the legislative branch can override executive authority, and explain the process involved.
A situation where the legislative branch can override executive authority is when the president vetoes a bill passed by Congress. To override the veto, both the House of Representatives and the Senate must vote to approve the bill again with a two-thirds majority in each chamber. If they succeed, the bill becomes law despite the president’s rejection. This process ensures that the legislative branch can still enact laws if there is strong enough support, checking the president’s power.
How did the Supremacy Clause, combined with the Necessary and Proper Clause, empower the federal government to override state laws, and how did this authority create conflicts during the westward expansion related to the issue of slavery in new territories?
- The Supremacy Clause makes federal law the highest law, overriding state laws if there’s a conflict. The Necessary and Proper Clause lets Congress create laws to carry out its powers, even if not specifically listed. Together, they gave the federal government authority over the states.
- During westward expansion, this caused tension because the federal government tried to limit slavery in new territories. Northern states supported these limits to reduce southern power, while southern states opposed them. This clash over federal authority and slavery contributed to growing sectional conflicts before the Civil War.