Compromises
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that counted three out of every five slaves as part of the population for purposes of representation and taxation.
Who were the Anti-Federalists and what did they oppose?
The Anti-Federalists were a group that opposed the ratification of the Constitution, fearing it created a strong central government that would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty.
Who were the Federalists and what did they support?
The Federalists were supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong national government and believed it was necessary for the country's stability and prosperity.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights are the first amendments to the United States Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and rights.
What does the term "checks and balances" mean?
The term "checks and balances" refers to the system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch the ability to limit the powers of the others.
What did the Great Compromise establish regarding representation in Congress?
The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature, creating the House of Representatives with representation based on population and the Senate with equal representation (two senators) for each state
What was one major concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution?
One major concern of the Anti-Federalists was the lack of a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.
What was one argument made by the Federalists in favor of ratifying the Constitution?
One argument made by the Federalists in favor of ratifying the Constitution was that it would create a stronger unified government that could effectively manage the country's issues and protect against internal and external threats.
How many amendments are included in the Bill of Rights?
10
Give an example of how one branch of government can check another branch.
An example of checks and balances is the presidential veto, where the President can reject legislation passed by Congress, which Congress can then override with a two-thirds vote.
How did the Commerce Clause impact the federal government's power?
The Commerce Clause allows Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes, thus expanding the federal government's power to regulate economic activities.
Name a key figure among the Anti-Federalists.
Patrick Henry, George Mason, Samuel Adams
Name a key figure among the Federalists.
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Jon Jay
What freedoms are listed under the 1st amendment?
Speech, religion, assembly, press, petition
How does the system of checks and balances prevent abuse of power?
The system of checks and balances prevents abuse of power by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others, ensuring accountability in government
What were the major issues that led to the need for compromises during the Constitutional Convention?
How did the Anti-Federalists view the concept of a strong central government?
The Anti-Federalists viewed a strong central government as a potential threat to personal liberties and the rights of states.
How did the Federalists view the need for a strong central government?
The Federalists believed that a strong central government was essential to maintain order, provide for the common defense, and promote economic growth
What are the rights protected in the 4th Amendment?
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures and establishes the need for warrants based on probable cause.
List one way the Executive Branch is able to "check" the other two branches.
They appoint Supreme Court Justices
They can veto or pass laws sent by legislature
In what ways did compromises shape the final version of the Constitution?
Compromises shaped the final version of the Constitution by addressing the concerns of different states and factions, leading to a document that balanced power between federal and state governments.
What was the outcome of the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
The Bill of Rights
What was the Federalist Papers' purpose?
The purpose of the Federalist Papers was to promote the ratification of the Constitution and explain its principles; they were significant because they provided a detailed justification for the new government structure.
The 10th amendment tells us that any laws not stated are up to authority of the ________________.
State Governments
Describe a historical event that illustrated the effectiveness of checks and balances.
Brown v. Board
Plessy v. Ferguson
Roe v. Wade
Marbury v. Madison