1-25 Flashcards
Why does the U.S. Constitution start with “We the people…” (2 reasons)?
- ) It is a social contract between the people and their leaders.
- ) It is based on popular sovereignty.
What Enlightenment Thinker is famous for writing about the Social Contract?
Jean Jacques Rousseau
What is a “Social Contract”?
An agreement between the people and their leaders.
What Enlightenment Thinker is famous for writing about Separation of Powers?
Baron de Montesquieu
Why did the founders want “to form a more perfect union”?
Because the Articles of Confederation had many problems and was not working.
What are the six purposes for establishing the U.S. Constitution?
To form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity
What is meant by “establishing justice”?
To have a court system and judges that are fair.
Why did the Founders want to “establish justice”?
Because the Articles of Confederation had no national courts and it caused problems.
What is meant by “insure domestic tranquility”?
To make sure there is peace inside the country.
Why did the Founders want to “insure domestic tranquility”?
So there would not be riots or rebellions in the country. Like Shay’s Rebellion.
What is popular sovereignty?
Power to the people
What is meant by Separation of Powers?
There are three branches of government each with different roles.
What are the three branches of government?
- ) The Legislative Branch
- ) The Executive Branch
- ) The Judicial Branch
What is the role of the Legislative Branch?
The legislative branch makes the laws.
What is the role of the Executive Branch?
The Executive Branch enforces the laws.
