Chapter 1

Question 1

Olive Branch Petition

Answer 1

Colonists pledged loyalty to the king, but clearly stated their grievances; king rejected it

Question 2

John Locke & Natural Law

Answer 2

Argued that natural law is the law of God and is acknowledged through human sense and reason

Question 3

Jean-Jacques Rousseau & the Social Contract

Answer 3

Argued that people gave up some natural rights in exchange for protection given by the government

Question 4

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 4

People are the ultimate ruling power

Question 5

Montesquieu

Answer 5

Argued for the Separation of Powers

Question 6

Participatory Democracy

Answer 6

People vote directly for laws and other matters that affect them

Question 7

Pluralist Democracy

Answer 7

Non-governmental groups organize to try and exert influence on political decision making

Question 8

Elite Democracy

Answer 8

Elected Representatives make decisions for those who elected them

Question 9

Declaration of Independence

Answer 9

Provided moral and legal justifications for rebellion

Question 10

Articles of Confederation

Answer 10

First “constitution” of the United States

Question 11

Why were the Articles of Confederation considered weak?

Answer 11

1. Congress could not tax
2. Federal government could not raise or maintain an army
3. No national court system or currency
4. Could not regulate commerce among the states

Question 12

Shays’ Rebellion

Answer 12

Led by Daniel Shays; a rebellion of poor farmers that demanded to print more money, lighten taxes, and suspend mortgages

Question 13

How did Shays’ Rebellion lead to the creation of the Constitution?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Virgina Plan

Answer 14

3 branches, bicameral legislature, supremacy of national government, separation of powers

Question 15

New Jersey Plan

Answer 15

Sovereignty of states, limited and defined powers of national legislature

Question 16

Great Compromise

Answer 16

Members of the House of Representatives apportioned by population; each state given 2 senators

Question 17

3/5 Compromise

Answer 17

3 of every 5 slaves would count towards the House of Representatives

Question 18

Electoral College

Answer 18

States decide how their electors are chosen, which each state having the same number of electors as they have in the House of Representatives

Question 19

Confederal System

Answer 19

Loose collection of sovereign states gathered for a common purpose

Question 20

Preamble

Answer 20

Mission statement (“We the people”)

Question 21

Article 1

Answer 21

Outlines the basic setup of Congress

Question 22

Enumerated Powers

Answer 22

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)

Question 23

Commerce Clause

Answer 23

Empowers Congress to “regulate commerce with other nations, and among the several states”

Question 24

Elastic Clause

Answer 24

Allows Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper

Question 25

Article 2

Answer 25

Lays out the Executive Branch and the job of the president

Question 26

Article 3

Answer 26

Defines the judiciary

Question 27

Article 4

Answer 27

Defines relations among the states

Question 28

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Answer 28

Requires states to be open about their laws and encourages states to respect one another’s laws

Question 29

Article 5

Answer 29

Defines the amendment process (2 ways to propose and 2 ways to ratify)

Question 30

Article 6

Answer 30

Establishes national supremacy

Question 31

Supremacy Clause

Answer 31

makes it so all states must follow the Constitution

Question 32

Article 7

Answer 32

Constitution will go into effect once the 9th state convention has approved it

Question 33

Federalist Papers

Answer 33

Written by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton in support of the new Constitution

Question 34

Bill of Rights

Answer 34

First 10 amendments (ratified in 1791)

Question 35

Representative Republic

Answer 35

A collection of sovereign states gathered for the national interest, national needs, and national defense

Question 36

Federalist No. 51

Answer 36

Argues that the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution safeguards against tyranny

Question 37

Federalist No. 10

Answer 37

Notes how Framers have made it difficult for interest groups to dominate

Question 38

Checks and Balances

Answer 38

The limiting powers each branch can use on others

Question 39

Pocket Veto

Answer 39

Refusal to sign a bill

Question 40

Advice and Consent

Answer 40

Allows the Senate to approve or disapprove and suggest presidential appointments

Question 41

Judicial Review

Answer 41

Allows courts to declare whether or not the actions of the government are constitutional or not (never mentioned in the Constitution)

Question 42

Federalism

Answer 42

The balance of power among a central, national authority and state or regional authorities

Question 43

Reserved Powers

Answer 43

Laws that are not specifically given to the national government and are reserved for the states

Question 44

Concurring Opinions

Answer 44

Agree with majority

Question 45

Dissenting Opinions

Answer 45

Disagree with majority