Chapter 2

Question 0

Constitution

Answer 0

a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.

Question 1

Confederation

Answer 1

a system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for the powers expressly delegated to the national government. (page 42)

Question 2

Anti-federalist

Answer 2

those who favored strong state governments and a weak national government and who were opponents of the Constitution proposed at the American Constitutional Convention of 1787. (page 56)

Question 3

Chief Executive

Answer 3

President of the United States

Question 4

Bill of Rights

Answer 4

the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791; they ensure certain rights and liberties to the people. (page 50)

Question 5

Congressional powers

Answer 5

Collecting taxes, borrowing money, regulating commerce, declaring war, and maintaining an army and navy; all other powers belong to the states, unless deemed otherwise by the elastic (necessary and proper) clause.
States are expressly forbidden to issue their own paper money, tax imports and exports, regulate trade outside their own borders, and impair the obligation of contracts; these powers are the exclusive domain of the national government

Question 6

Checks and balances

Answer 6

mechanisms through which each branch of government is able to participate in and influence the activities of the other branches; major examples include the presidential veto power over congressional legislation, the power of the Senate to approve presidential appointments, and judicial review of congressional enactments. (page 49)

Question 7

Federalism

Answer 7

a system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments. (page 50)

Question 8

Implied powers

Answer 8

those powers authorized by a legal document (from the Constitution) which, while not stated, seem to be implied by powers expressly stated

Question 9

Separation of powers

Answer 9

the division of governmental power among several institutions that must cooperate in decision making. (page 50)

Question 10

Beard’s Thesis

Answer 10

America’s founders were a collection of securities speculators and property owners whose only aim was personal enrichment.

Question 11

Bicameral

Answer 11

having a legislative assembly composed of two chambers or houses; distinguished from unicameral. (page 52)

Question 12

Indirect elections

Answer 12

a process in which voters in an election do not choose between candidates for an office but rather elect persons who will then make the choice

Question 13

“Original intent”

Answer 13

The founding fathers intent for the application and use of the Constitution

Question 14

Expressed powers

Answer 14

specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress (Article I, Section 8) and to the president (Article II). (page 51)

Question 15

Delegated powers

Answer 15

a list of items found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that set forth the authoritative capacity of Congress.

Question 16

Shays rebellion

Answer 16

In the winter of 1786, Daniel Shays, a former army captain, led a mob of farmers in rebellion a giant the government of Massachusetts. The purpose was to prevent foreclosures on their land.

Question 17

The Annapolis convention

Answer 17

In the fall of 1786, the Virginia legislature invited for a conference of representatives of all states to amend the articles of confederation. Only 5 states attended. Held in Annapolis, Maryland, called for a second meeting by Alexander Hamilton.

Question 18

Philadelphia Convention of 1787

Answer 18

May 1787, the gathering of 55 delegates that led to the Great Compromise and the 3/5ths compromise and the constitution.

Question 19

Articles of Confederation

Answer 19

America’s first written constitution; served as the basis for America’s national government until 1789. (page 42)

Question 20

Federal republic

Answer 20

A republic compromised of states with power vested in the central authority.