Bill of Rights - Unit 4 Flashcards
Who were Federalists
for constitution
Describe the ratification process
-F.F. create system
-9/13 states needed to accept constitution (debate)
…state conventions
Describe federalists
- well organized
- key supporters
- Federalists Papers
How were the Federalists well organized?
Newspapers
Who were some key supporters of the Federalists?
Washington & Franklin
Describe the Federalist Papers
- series of essays explaining the meaning/virtues of Constitution
- newspapers
- authors = Hamilton/Madison/John Jay
According to the Federalists, what was needed to solve the nation’s problems?
a strong national govt.
According to Federalists, how would the national govt. be strengthened?
- stronger military
- pay off national debt
- solve economic wars/depression in states
- balance power (everywhere)
Why was a stronger military needed?
To allow the drafting of troops to fight off the British & Spanish still lingering in America
According to Federalists, How would the national debt be paid off?
By collecting taxes
How would the economic wars/depression in states be solved according to Federalists?
by regulating commerce/trade
according to Federalists, how did power need to be balanced & through the use of what?
national & states govts = federalism
three branches = checks & balances system
According to Federalists, who will run the govt.?
The people
What areas do Federalists support?
support urban areas = business men/city people
Who are anti-Federalists?
Against constitution
Describe anti-Federalists?
- abuse power to tax
- believe govt. will be too far away
Describe how the govt. will be too far away (according to the anti-Federalists)
- travel/communication would be difficult
- people only trust their state govts
- national govt. will be too powerful
- terms of office are too long
- no protection of individual/state rights
- President = King
- country too large (geographically) for national govt to work
- rural support
How would travel/communication be difficult (according to the anti-Federalists)
national govt. will not hear the people’s voice
Describe the anti-Federalists view that terms of office are too long
no term limits - reflected as many times
Describe the anti-Federalists view that there are no protection of individual/state rights
Believed a Bill of Rights was needed
What was the anti-Federalists view that the president was a king
He would have too much power
What was the Anti-Federalists view that country too large (geographically) for national govt to work?
There are too many divergent opinions
What does rural support mean?
In support of the farmers
What is the sign. in the Ratification process/the Feds vs. Anti-Feds?
- Anti-Feds force/convince Feds that a Bill of Rights needs to be added (Congress creates a Bill of Rights)
- debate in states was heated
- importance of Federalist Papers
Who was the author of the Bill of Rights?
James Madison
What are the Bill of Rights?
1st 10 amendments to Constitution
Describe the debate in the states
votes were close but eventually all 13 states ratified Constitution
Describe the importance of the Federalist Papers
impact: they’re are best interpretation of the Constitution
therefore, they guide the Supreme Court (judicial branch)
Define Living Constitution
ability to adapt & survive over time
What are the 2 ways the constitution lives?
- Amendment process
2. Interpreting the constitution
What is an amendment?
a change/addition to the Constitution
What are the 2 steps in the amendment process?
- Propose
2. ratify
Describe the 2 ways to propose an amendment
- Congress can do this with a 2/3 vote OR
- can be a National convention… 2/3 vote of state reps.
Describe the 2 ways to ratify an amendment
- 3/4 vote of state legislatures OR
- special state conventions… need 3/4 vote
List the 4 main points of significance
- Difficult process
- Only have been a small # of amendments
- Process uses federalism
- President has no say in process
Why did FF make the process difficult?
- wanted it to be for the most important issues
- wanted it to have overwhelming support
How many amendments are there currently?
27 (1st ten are Bill of Rights)
Describe how the amendment process uses federalism
both National & State govts are involved in Amendment Process
Describe what is meant by the president has no power in the amendment process
The president cannot veto amendments
describe the Interpretation of Constitution
most significant way for Constitution to adapt
What are the 2 themes of the interpretation of the constitution?
Federalism & Rights
What is federalism?
National vs. State
Describe the evidence of the national govt. in federalism
- “Necessary & Proper” Clause
- Congress (national govt.) can make specific laws to carry out their vague powers
- increases power of national govt.
What does the Necessary & Proper Clause lead to?
the creation of “implied powers”
Describe implied powers
- broad (loose) constructionist
- favors an interpretation of Constitution that favors national govt.
Name an example of a broad constructionalist
Alexander Hamilton
What is the federalism evidence for states?
The 10th Amendment
Describe the 10th amendment
all powers not given in Constitution to national govt. are reserved for states
What does the 10th amendment lead to?
- strict constructionists
- have limited interpretation of Constitution
- therefore more power for state govts
What are 2 rights that are often interpreted?
Expression & criminal procedures
Where are the rights to expression found?
1st amendment
Where are criminal procedure rights found?
4th/5th/6th amendments
What is the significance in the interpretation of the constitution for keeping the constitution alive?
The judicial branch does the interpreting
Who is the highest authority in the judicial branch?
The Supreme Court
What does the Supreme Court set?
a precedent
Describe the setting of the precedent by the Supreme Court
lower courts must follow rulings (by Supreme Court) on similar/previous cases
What are the Bill of Rights?
The 1st 10 amendments
Who is the author of the bill of rights?
James Madison