Chapter 2 Flashcards
What are colonial political structures similar to England?
- Royal governors- served as substitutes for the kind in each individual colony
- Governor’s council- in each colony served as a mini House of Lords, with the most influential men in the colony serving effectively as high court
- General Assembly- the general assembly in each colony was elected directly by the qualified voters in each colony and served essentially as a House of Commons, passing ordinances and regulations that would govern the colony
Diverse histories and economies provided…?
Little incentive to join together to meet shared goals. Like the 13th colonies but with time this has changed.
The French and Indian War is known as…?
The turning point
What is The Treaty of Paris (1763)?
Britain wins territory from Arctic Ocean to Gulf of Mexico, between Atlantic Ocean and Mississippi. It was a strategic debt.
The Proclamation of 1763 restricted what?
Fur Trade
What is the Sugar Act of 1764?
It was the first law passed for the expense to raise money
What was the first law passed for the expense to raise money?
The Sugar Act of 1764
What is the Stamp Act?
Required payment on newspapers, pamphlet, almanacs, etc.
Who said “give me liberty, or give me death”?
Patrick Henry
What is the Tea Act of 1773?
Was passed to help the financially troubled British East India Company by relaxing export duties and allowing the company to sell its tea directly in the colonies
What is the Declaratory Act?
Asserted that the king and parliament had all authority to the colonists
Who is Thomas Paine?
Turning out to the point of Americans with common sense
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Authorized primarily by Thomas Jefferson, adopted on July 4, 1776, restated Locke’s theories of natural rights and social contract
The Declaration of Independence lists what?
Lists unalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
What is the authority of congress?
Wage war make peace, coin money, make treaties and alliances with other nations, operate a postal service, manage relations with native americans
What are the limitations of congress?
No power to raise troops, regulate commerce, or levy taxes, which left it independent on state legislatures
Annapolis Convention (1786)
Only 5 states sent delegates.
Called all states to attend a future convention to render the Constitution of the federal govt adequate to the exigencies
What was the original reason for Annapolis Convention of 1786?
The original reason was to discuss interstate commerce
What is the most significance result of Annapolis Convention of 1786?
To all 13 states to attend a convention in Philadelphia
What is Shay’s Rebellion?
Message: weak and unresponsive govt carried the danger of disorder and violence
In May 25, 1787 what state was absent?
Rhode Island
Why did Rhode Island not attend the constitutional convention?
It was so opposed of the constitution that it refuse to go
What were the primary concerns of the Constitution?
- Foreign Trade
- Economic Radicalism
- Protection against Native Americans violence
- Worsening postwar economic depression
Who refused to attend the Constitutional Convention?
Patrick Henry
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
To discuss amendments
What was the Virginia Plan?
A proposal known also as the “large states plan” that empowered three separate branches of govt, including a legislature with membership proportional to population.
What is the New Jersey Plan?
A proposal known also as the “small states plan” that would have retained the Articles of Confederation’s principle of a legislature where states enjoyed equal representation.
Who are our 2 U.S. Senators?
Ted Cruz and John Cornwell
The 3/5 Compromise
5 slaves is the equivalent of three “free persons” for taxes and representation
For at least how long was congress forbidden from banning slave importation?
At least 20 years
The new Constitution said nothing about…?
Slavery
What is Popular Sovereignty?
People are ultimately in charge
What is Separation of Powers?
The principle that each branch of govt enjoys separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility
What is Checks and Balances?
A system of limits imposed by the Constitution that gives each branch of government the limited right to change or cancel the acts of other branches
Who are the Federalist?
Those who supported ratification of the proposed constitution of the United States between 1787 and 1789.
What is Federalism?
Defining characteristics of the govt framework established by the new constitution
What are Enumerated Powers?
Express powers explicitly granted by the Constitution, such as the taxing power specifically granted to Congress
Some delegates believed that the constitution should be a “living” document, which meant what?
That it should have some measure of flexibility in order to meet the changing demands placed on it over time
What did Baron de Montesquieu say about separation of powers?
No one could easily dominate the govt
For the Bill of Rights, how many amendments were proposed?
12 were proposed, but 10 were ratified
The Anti-Federalists’ most effective criticism was that…?
The new constitution lacked a bill of rights that explicitly protected citizens’ individual rights
Why make the amendment process difficult?
The need to protect the Constitution from short lived or temporary passions
How many amendments have been ratified since 1789?
27
Loose Contruction
Marshall believed in it. Open-ended interpretations utilizing implied powers
Strict Construction
A fixed constitution that can be changed only by formal amendment
