17.2 - Principles of the Constitution Flashcards
Chapter 17.2 - Principles of the US Constitution
principles of the us constitution
What are the 5 principles of the US Constitution?
- Limited government
- Separation of powers
- Checks and balances
- Bipartisanship
- Federalism
Why were the Founding Fathers unwilling to create a federal government with unlimited powers?
They had fought against the tyranny of the British monarchy and had been taxed without representation by Parliament
What were the Founding Father concerned would be usurped by a powerful government?
Individual freedoms
What was the Bill of Rights introduced to ensure?
A limited government
What 18th century French philosopher influenced the Founding Fathers in trying to achieve limited government?
Baron de Montesquieu
What did Baron de Montesquieu argue in his book ‘The Spirit of the Laws’?
For 3 separate branches of government
What clause in Article I of the constitution prevented any one person from holding office in more than one branch at any time?
The ‘ineligibility clause’
What is a James Madison quote about checks and balances?
‘Ambition must be made to counteract ambition’
What is a Baron de Montesquieu quote about checks and balances?
‘it is necessary from the very nature of things that power should be a check to power’
What were many Founding Fathers wary about the role of?
Parties/factions
What is there no provision for in the constitution, upholding the principles of bipartisanship?
There is no provision for a two-party system
What does federalism allow for?
A system of shared sovereignty
