Chaptah Two Flashcards
What are the three principles of the constitution?
It is the organizing document for our government, the supreme law of the land, and limits government action.
What were the first few issues that caused the U.S to dislike Britain?
The Brits were going broke and implemented the stamp act in 1765, making everything more expensive for Americans.
What caused the U.S to form the declaration of independence?
The U.S felt that the Brits were breaking the social contract so they made the declaration of independence.
What are the two big takeaways from the articles of confederation (1781)?
This was the first form of government for the United States, and this created a firm league of friendship between the U.S and Great Britain.
What were the problems with the articles of confederation (1781)?
No tax revenue to federal government, states were not required to listen to national government, there were trade wars between states with tariffs.
Why did Shay’s Rebellion (1787) start?
The government couldn’t pay the revolutionary war soldiers pensions, which showed the vulnerability of the federal government.
What happened at the constitutional convention(1787)?
Representatives from all states met in Philadelphia, and reformed the articles of confederation by creating a new government.
What was the Virginia Plan?
The government would establish three branches and each states vote count would depnd on state population.
What was the New Jersey plan?
They wanted small states to keep power, have the same voting power, and keep the articles of confederation.
What was the Great Compromise?
This formed the house of representatives and senate and was bicameral legislature.
How many votes are in the electoral college and how many votes does Wyoming get?
There are 538 total votes and Wyoming gets 3.
What was the 3/5 compromise?
The states agreed to count slaves as 3/5 of a person when counting population.
What is the main purpose of the 3 branches of government?
So no one person or branch becomes too powerful.
When and how many states did it take to ratify the constitution?
The constitution was ratified in June 1788 and needed 9/13 states to ratify.
What was the purpose of the federalist papers?
To further explain the purpose of the constitution and the way it was written.
What was a main purpose of having governmental power at the federal level?
States could have a mob mentality so this would reduce this.
What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights and how many amendments did it introduce?
The purpose was to ensure rights of the people since power was taken from states and it introduced the first 10 amendments to the constitution.
What are constitutional powers?
Constitutional powers place limits on federal governments to enumerated powers.
What are the allowable actions of federal government?
Coin money, regulate commerce, and making treaties. States have the rest of the power.
Why is the U.S not a direct democracy and what type of government is it?
The U.S is not a direct democracy because the country is too big and there is risk of mob mentality and risk of a lack of rights for minorities. The U.S is a democratic republic.
What and why were the 3 branches formed in the constitution?
Separation of powers, legislative, judicial, and executive branches of federal government.
What is the role of the legislative branch?
To write laws and it is congress.
What is the executive branch?
The president and federal agencies.
What is the judicial branch?
Federal courts, they interpret laws.
What is federalism?
Power is divided by federal and state governments, there are some areas where states make the decision and some where federal makes the decision.
What is the process of amending the constitution?
Its a two step process that requires congress and state legislatures.
What is the amendment proposal process?
Federal level, must be proposed by 2/3 of house or senate, or by convention called by congress by request of 2/3 state legislature.
How are amendments ratified?
State level must ratify by either ¾ of state legislatures or ¾ of state ratifying conventions.
Why do most amendments arise?
For further clarification of a thing like the right to vote.
How is the constitution worded?
Very short and general, flexible, has fared well over time.
When was the most recent amendment?
1992
What were the concerns of the constitutional framers?
Mob mentality, protecting individuals from government, not letting one group/person gain too much power, needing state approval.
What is a dictatorship?
When one person or small group, political party or ideology, possesses absolute power without constitutional limitations.
What are the 3 C’s of dictatorship?
Coercion, co-options (taking over or forcing someone to switch sides), charisma.
What are the key elements of democracy?
Multiple party system, fair and free elections, term limits, civil liberties, civic participation, right to fair trial, “of the people, for the people, by the people.”
What are some key rules of the American presidential system?
Elected every four years, maximum two terms, holds significant but not complete power, legitimacy (social contract).
What are some elements of the constitutional Monarch in the UK?
Hereditary, serves for life, opens parliament, meets with prime minister, largely ceremonial, legitimacy (through heredity).
What are the elements of the UK Prime Minister?
Leader of majority party in the house of commons, unity of powers (both head of legislative and executive roles), 10 Downing St. is where P.M lives, Election at least every 5 years.
