2 - The Constitution

Question 1

Constitution

Answer 1

A nation’s basic law. It creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Constitutions can be either written or unwritten.

Question 2

Declaration of Independence

Answer 2

The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against the British monarch and declared their independence.

Question 3

Natural Rights

Answer 3

Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property. The concept of natural rights was central to English philosopher John Locke’s theories about government and was widely accepted among America’s Founders.

Question 4

Consent of the Governed

Answer 4

The idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people

Question 5

Limited Government

Answer 5

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect natural rights of citizens

Question 6

Articles of Confederation

Answer 6

The first constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. The Articles established a national legislature, the Continental Congress, but most authority rested with the state legislatures.

Question 7

Shay’s Rebellion

Answer 7

A series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.

Question 8

U.S. Constitution

Answer 8

The document written in 1787 and ratified in 1788 that sets forth the institutional structure of U.S. government and the tasks these institutions perform. It replaced the Articles of Confederation.

Question 9

Factions

Answer 9

Groups such as parties or interest groups, which according to James Madison arose from the unequal distribution of property or wealth and had the potential to cause instability in government.

Question 10

New Jersey Plan

Answer 10

The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of the state’s population.

Question 11

Virginia Plan

Answer 11

The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for representation of each state in Congress in proportion to that state’s share of the U.S. population.

Question 12

Connecticut Compromise

Answer 12

The compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention that established two houses of Congress: the House of Representatives, in which representation is based on a state’s share of the U.S. population; and the Senate, in which each state has two representatives.

Question 13

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Answer 13

A court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody.

Question 14

Separation of Powers

Answer 14

A feature of the Constitution that requires each of the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—to be relatively independent of the others so that one cannot control the others. Power is shared among these three institutions.

Question 15

Checks and Balances

Answer 15

Features of the Constitution that limit government’s power by requiring each branch to obtain the consent of the others for its actions, limiting and balancing power among the branches.

Question 16

Republic

Answer 16

A form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws.

Question 17

Federalists

Answer 17

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution at the time the states were contemplating its adoption.

Question 18

Anti-Federalists

Answer 18

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption.

Question 19

Federalist Papers

Answer 19

A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name “Publius” to defend the Constitution in detail.

Question 20

Bill of Rights

Answer 20

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, drafted in response to some of the Anti-Federalist concerns. These amendments define such basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, and press and guarantee defendants’ rights.

Question 21

Equal Rights Amendment

Answer 21

A constitutional amendment passed by Congress in 1972 stating that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” The amendment failed to acquire the necessary support from three-fourths of the state legislatures.

Question 22

Marbury v Madison

Answer 22

The 1803 case in which the Supreme Court asserted its right to determine the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. The decision established the Court’s power of judicial review over acts of Congress.

Question 23

Judicial Review

Answer 23

The power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress and, by implication, the executive are in accord with the U.S. Constitution. Judicial review was established by Marbury v. Madison.