Intellectual Origins of American Government
U.S. Founding Documents
Creating the Constitution
The U.S. Constitution
Constitutional Principles
100
These are the two ancient civilizations that America's government is based on.
What is ancient Greece and ancient Rome?
Double/Nothing, What government did EACH have?
100
This is the beginning quote to the Preamble to the Constitution.
What is "We the People?"
100
This person is considered the father of the U.S. Constitution.
Who is James Madison
100
These are the three BRANCHES that correspond with Articles I, II, and III
I - Legislative
II - Executive
III - Judicial
*BONUS* + 100 points: What is the legislative branch called on the Federal level?
100
Choose 2/3 to answer on a desk.
1. Give an example of how the Legislative Branch checks the power of the Executive Branch.
2. Give an example of how the Executive Branch can check the power of the Legislative Branch
3. What is the difference between Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances?
200
This man influenced the Thomas Jefferson the most with his ideas about natural rights.
Who is John Locke?
Bonus +50: What are Locke's 3 Natural Rights?
200
This is the author of the Declaration of Independence AND the year he wrote it.
What is Thomas Jefferson & 1776
200
This was the main reason for the failure of the Articles of Confederation.
What is... they couldn't tax/raise money/they could only borrow money
(I will also accept the absence of an Executive and Judicial branch)
200
This is the definition of Federalism.
Power is shared or divided between local, state, and federal government.
200
This is the idea that the people are the ultimate source of power in government.
Popular Sovereignty
BONUS +100: What quote from the Constitution is an example of Popular Sovereignty?
300
This is why the Magna Carta is important.
What is, it demanded things like the Rule of Law and Due Process of law from the king for the first time?
(I'll accept: the first time the king was forced to obey the law)
BONUS +50 (All groups): What year was the Magna Carta written?
300
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
This is the name of the document quoted above.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
300
This compromise determined how slave populations would be counted in the United States.
What is the 3/5ths Compromise?
300
If you are married in Florida, then move to Texas, is that marriage license still valid?
WHY?
*hint: it's a clause of the Constitution*
What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
BONUS (all teams) +50: What Article is the Full Faith and Credit Clause found in?
300
"When the President does it, that means it's not illegal."
-Richard Nixon
What Constitutional Principle did Nixon's statement violate?
Rule of Law
400
This pamphlet was written to convince the American colonists to support revolution against Britain
What is Common Sense?
+100 points: Who was the author of this document?
400
These newspaper essays were written in support of ratifying (passing) the U.S. Constitution, and supported a strong federal government.
What are the Federalist Papers?
*BONUS +100 points*
Who were the three authors of the Federalist Papers?
400
This is the name of the compromise that combined the two plans for government. It resulted in our bicameral Congress.
What is the Great Compromise?
400
This is the AMENDMENT PROCESS
1. 2/3rds of Congress (or state governments) must propose the amendment
2. 3/4ths of the STATES must vote to ratify/approve the amendment
400
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If government were made of angels, limited government would be unnecessary..."
"In creating a government by men, over men, the great difficulty lies in this, the government must have enough power to control the people, and in the next place, enough power to control itself."
-Federalist 51
What Constitutional Principle is Madison arguing for?
Limited Government OR Checks and Balances
500
by signing THIS document, settlers in the NEW WORLD agreed to "combine and covenant into one civil body politick." (to make laws and rules that would benefit the greater good of the community)
What is the Mayflower Compact
500
This is the number of Articles and Amendments in the Constitution
What is 7 Articles and 27 Amendments?
500
Based on the image above, why might Delaware have preferred the New Jersey plan over the Virginia Plan?
the New Jersey plan wanted representation based on state equality, NOT population.
500
Florida has written a law that would legalize marijuana. Marijuana is illegal on the Federal level.
President Risi claims that anyone who possesses marijuana in Florida can still be arrested.
This is the reason why President Risi is RIGHT.
*Hint* it's a CLAUSE in the Constitution
What is... because of the Supremacy Clause
500
Jefferson wrote,
"He’s [King George III] made it difficult to practice the law here, wanting himself to be the ultimate judge and jury."
"He's taken away our trial by jury in many cases."
What PRINCIPLE (idea) of Government did the king violate?
Due Process of Law