Principles of Government
the power of the government is restricted by the U.S. Constitution.
Limited Government
Freedom of speech, religion and press; right to assemble; right to petition
and
Right to bear arms.
1st and 2nd
(1781) – First form of government established by the 13 states. Replaced by the US Constitution because it created a weak form of central government.
The Articles of Confederation
known as the father of the constitution
James Madison
the supreme law of the land in the United States. Written in 1787.
Constitution
A system where people vote for elected representatives to run the government.
Republicanism
No quartering of troops during peace time.
and
No unlawful search and seizure.
3rd and 4th
Compromise between northern and southern states over how slaves would be counted in determining a state’s population.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Essays written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison to encourage ratification of the constitution.
Federalist Papers
approval of a document or policy
Ratification
Power is shared between the states and national government.
Federalism
The right to a fast and public trial, right to have a lawyer.
and
Rights reserved to the people.
6th and 9th
No national taxes (no ability to gain national revenue to pay for army, navy, or other national interests; had to ask the states for money which they often ignored)
No federal court system (no ability to settle disputes between states)
Lack of strong federal government (reduced ability to settle disputes over state boundaries)
No federal leader (no “Executive” to lead the country)
Limited military = no protection
More populous states wanted more representation
Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation
Opposed ratification of the Constitution
Wanted a weak federal/national government
Wanted a bill of rights to declare and protect the rights of people
Anti-Federalists
rights that cannot be taken away
unalienable rights
Bill of Rights - 1st ten amendments to the Constitution
and
makes sure no branch of the government becomes too powerful.
Individual Rights and Checks and Balances
Right to Due Process, no double jeopardy, do not have to testify against yourself.
and
Trial by jury in civil cases.
5th and 7th
described how the territories would be governed and how a territory could be admitted in the country as a state
Also outlawed slavery in the Northwest Territories
Northwest Ordinance
Two house legislature (bicameral)
Equal representation in upper house of congress (Senate)
Representation in lower house of congress (House of Representatives) is based off population of state
The Great Compromise
Rebellion in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787, protesting mortgage foreclosures. Convinced Americans that a new, stronger government was needed
Shays Rebellion
Divides the powers of government into 3 branches
and
The people hold the ultimate power
Separation of Powers and Popular Sovereignty
No cruel or unusual punishment or excessive fines or bail
and
Powers reserved to the states
8th and 10th
Constitutional Convention
Name an Anti Federalist
Patrick Henry or George Mason
first agreement for self-government in America. Signed by 41 men on the Mayflower setting up a government for Plymouth colony.
Mayflower Compact