The Articles of Confederation
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
It was too weak.
How many branches of government do we have under the U.S. Constitution?
3
What split the lawmaking body of Congress into two houses?
The Great Compromise
Why was the government split into three different branches?
To evenly divide power and prevent tyranny
What debate were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists having?
The Federalists wanted a strong central government while the Anti-Federalists wanted a much weaker central government
Why did our founders make the Articles of Confederation so weak?
They were afraid of recurring tyranny.
What is the Judicial Branch headed by?
The Supreme Court of the United States
How is the number of representative from each state determined in the House of Representatives?
By state population
Explain how the checks and balances system prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
Each branch has a check that they can use on another branch to ensure that their power is being used correctly and that they are not abusing it
Why was the Bill of Rights created?
To make the Anti-Federalists happy
What are some examples of things that the Articles of Confederation did not allow the federal government to do?
Impose taxes, create treaties, and command a national military.
Who is the Executive Branch headed by?
The President of the United States
How many representatives does each state get in the Senate?
2
How does the Executive Branch check the Judicial Branch?
The Executive Branch appoints judges to the Supreme Court
How many amendments can be found in the Bill of Rights?
10
Which event led to The U.S. Government realizing that the Articles of Confederation was too weak?
Shay's Rebellion.
What is the Legislative Branch headed by?
United States Congress
What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
Slave states could count three-fifths of their slave population towards their representative count in the house
How does the Judicial Branch check the Legislative Branch?
It may declare laws unconstitutional
How many states need to agree on an amendment in order for it to be ratified?
3/4ths or 75%
How long was the Articles of Confederation in effect?
8 Years
What system allowed changes to the Constitution if the proposed changes were ratified by three-fourths of the states?
The Amendment System
What is the Great Compromise also known as?
The Connecticut Compromise
How does the Legislative Branch check the Executive Branch?
It may reject appointments, reject treaties, withhold funding for Presidential initiatives, impeach the President, and override a veto
What year were the first 10 amendments ratified?
1791