Chapter 1 Flashcards
Olive Branch Petition
Colonists pledged loyalty to the king, but clearly stated their grievances; king rejected it
John Locke & Natural Law
Argued that natural law is the law of God and is acknowledged through human sense and reason
Jean-Jacques Rousseau & the Social Contract
Argued that people gave up some natural rights in exchange for protection given by the government
Popular Sovereignty
People are the ultimate ruling power
Montesquieu
Argued for the Separation of Powers
Participatory Democracy
People vote directly for laws and other matters that affect them
Pluralist Democracy
Non-governmental groups organize to try and exert influence on political decision making
Elite Democracy
Elected Representatives make decisions for those who elected them
Declaration of Independence
Provided moral and legal justifications for rebellion
Articles of Confederation
First “constitution” of the United States
Why were the Articles of Confederation considered weak?
- Congress could not tax
- Federal government could not raise or maintain an army
- No national court system or currency
- Could not regulate commerce among the states
Shays’ Rebellion
Led by Daniel Shays; a rebellion of poor farmers that demanded to print more money, lighten taxes, and suspend mortgages
How did Shays’ Rebellion lead to the creation of the Constitution?
It showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation. The federal government could not send an army to put down the rebellion. This caused many to realize that change was needed.
Virgina Plan
3 branches, bicameral legislature, supremacy of national government, separation of powers
New Jersey Plan
Sovereignty of states, limited and defined powers of national legislature
Great Compromise
Members of the House of Representatives apportioned by population; each state given 2 senators
3/5 Compromise
3 of every 5 slaves would count towards the House of Representatives
Electoral College
States decide how their electors are chosen, which each state having the same number of electors as they have in the House of Representatives
Confederal System
Loose collection of sovereign states gathered for a common purpose
Preamble
Mission statement (“We the people”)
Article 1
Outlines the basic setup of Congress
Enumerated Powers
Powers specifically given to Congress (includes powers to tax, borrow money, raise an army, create a postal system, address piracy, and define the immigration and naturalization process)
Commerce Clause
Empowers Congress to “regulate commerce with other nations, and among the several states”
Elastic Clause
Allows Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper
Article 2
Lays out the Executive Branch and the job of the president
Article 3
Defines the judiciary
Article 4
Defines relations among the states
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Requires states to be open about their laws and encourages states to respect one another’s laws
Article 5
Defines the amendment process (2 ways to propose and 2 ways to ratify)
Article 6
Establishes national supremacy
Supremacy Clause
makes it so all states must follow the Constitution
Article 7
Constitution will go into effect once the 9th state convention has approved it
Federalist Papers
Written by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton in support of the new Constitution
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments (ratified in 1791)
Representative Republic
A collection of sovereign states gathered for the national interest, national needs, and national defense
Federalist No. 51
Argues that the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution safeguards against tyranny
Federalist No. 10
Notes how Framers have made it difficult for interest groups to dominate
Checks and Balances
The limiting powers each branch can use on others
Pocket Veto
Refusal to sign a bill
Advice and Consent
Allows the Senate to approve or disapprove and suggest presidential appointments
Judicial Review
Allows courts to declare whether or not the actions of the government are constitutional or not (never mentioned in the Constitution)
Federalism
The balance of power among a central, national authority and state or regional authorities
Reserved Powers
Laws that are not specifically given to the national government and are reserved for the states
Concurring Opinions
Agree with majority
Dissenting Opinions
Disagree with majority
