The Making and Ratifying of the Constitution
Basic Principles
Amendments
Other
100
Who or what met to revise the Articles of Confederation?
The Second Continental Congress
100
What are two of the six principles that guide our Constitution?
Popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial power, and federalism.
100
What are the first ten amendments called?
The Bill of Rights
100
What word means contrary to the to the Constitution?
unconstitutional
200
When did the Second Continental Congress meet to revise the Articles of Confederation?
1787
200
What is federalism?
Federalism is the powers of government separated into a central government and several regional governments.
200
What are two ways to amend the Constitution?
Formal amendment- changes to the written word informal amendment- process that changes, but the words stay the same.
200
Who recorded all that was said and wrote the Virginia Plan (he is considered the "Father of the Constitution")?
James Madison
300
Why did the Articles of Confederation have to be revised?
The Articles of Confederation had eight main weaknesses: only one vote for each state, congress was powerless to lay and collect taxes, congress was powerless to regulate foreign and interstate commerce, there was no executive branch or national court system, amendment with only the consent of all state, nine out of thirteen states were required to pass laws, and articles were only a firm league of friendship.
300
What is the Constitution?
The supreme law of the United States of America
300
How many methods are there to the formal amendment process?
There are four methods: congress proposes and state legislatures ratify, congress proposes and state conventions ratify, national convention proposes and state legislatures ratify, and national convention proposes and state conventions ratify.
300
What was the group of delegates called who drafted the U.S. Constitution?
The delegates were called framers.
400
Why did the Second Continental Congress meet in secrecy?
They met in secrecy because they were overthrowing the government and creating a new one.
400
True or false: Twenty-seven formal amendments were all added by the first method.
False. Twenty-six formal amendments were added using the first method and one amendment, the twenty-first amendment, was added using the second amendment.
400
What is constitutionalism?
The idea that government must conduct itself in accordance with the constitutional principles.
500
When did the Constitution go into effect?
September 17, 1787
500
Which amendment involves the "Lame Duck"?
The 20th Amendment
500
What does the word amend mean?
To change