Constitutional Convention
What did they do at the Constitutional Convention?
They wrote the Constitution.
Where are the six big ideas of government found?
In the Constitution
True or False: The Constitutional Convention was super-secretive, as the founding fathers were only supposed to rewrite the Articles of Confederation--not create a new government.
True
Name the three branches of government.
Legislative, Judicial, Executive
Who is in charge of each branch of government?
Judicial-Supreme Court
Legislative-Senate (working with the HoR).
What did the New Jersey plan say?
What does having "popular sovereignty" mean?
The people rule, or have a majority say in government.
Why did we end up with a Bill of Rights?
The states refused to ratify the Constitution unless a specific declaration of rights was added.
What are the two branches of Congress called?
Senate and House of Representatives
How many members are in the Senate? What about the House of Representatives?
100 senators
435 representatives
What did the Virginia Plan say?
It said there should be two houses of Congress, but how many votes a state got in each house would be determined by state population. (That's why it was called the "big state" plan).
The idea that state governments and a federal government work together is called...?
Federalism
Name one of the first 10 amendments and explain why our founding fathers decided it was necessary.
Right to:
Speech
Religion
Press
Petition
Assembly
Right to bear arms
Right not to quarter soldiers
Right against search and seizure
Right to a fair trial
Right to due process
Right to all rights not listed
Right to a jury trial
How long do senators, and representatives, serve?
Senators serve 6 years at a time
Representatives serve 2
What is the main job of the Legislative Branch?
To create laws.
What was the Great Compromise?
The great compromise combined both the Virginia and New Jersey plan. It created a bicameral legislature, where one house of Congress would have equal votes amongst the states, and the lower house would have votes determined by population.
We have a limited government in the United States. What, exactly, does that mean?
It means that the power of government is limited through the Constitution and a system of checks and balances and separation of powers.
What is the "rule of law?"
The idea that everyone has to follow the law.
What is the highest court in the land and how many justices are on it?
The Supreme Court, and there are nine justices.
What is the main job of the Executive Branch?
To ensure laws are enforced.
What was the 3/5ths Compromise?
It was an agreement between the northern and southern states about slavery and representation in Congress. It was decided that 3 out of every 5 slaves would count towards population count and taxes.
Explain how the branches check and balance one another.
President can veto
Congress can impeach
Judicial Branch can strike down laws
President can nominate supreme court justices
Congress can approve or reject justices
Judicial Branch does not have to listen to the president that selected them
What philosopher pioneered the idea of having natural rights like, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?"
He was a huge influence on Thomas Jefferson.
John Locke
The president is the head of the executive branch, but who else is a part of it and supports the president?
The VP and the cabinet and heads of departments chosen by the president. They advise the president.
What is Judicial Review?
It is the job of the Judicial Branch to review laws and make sure they follow the Constitution and don't obstruct our rights.