Chapter 2: The Constitution

Question 1

Enlightment

Answer 1

Challenged governmental views

Question 2

Key ideas of enlightenment

Answer 2

• Natural Rights
• Consent of the Governed
• Limited Governement

Question 3

Declaration of Independence

Answer 3

Statement of separation, included Enlightenment Ideas

Question 4

Cause of revolt

Answer 4

British raise revenues by taxing and regulating trade on colonists

Question 5

The articles of confederation (weak alliance between states)

Answer 5

First US constitution

Question 6

Flaws in Articles

Answer 6

• Congress was the only branch

- Congress had no power to tax, obtain money, enforce rulings, or regulate commerce

Question 7

Shay’s Rebellion

Answer 7

• Farmers fought to close courts

- Stronger Central government needed

Question 8

The Constitutional Convention

Answer 8

Plan to revise articles, but soon a new constitution was the focus

Question 9

Connecticut (Great) Conpromise

Answer 9

Bicameral legislation

Question 10

Issues of new constituion

Answer 10

1) Representation
2) do slaves count?
3) Economic
4) Personal Rights

Question 11

Madison’s Model (3 Branches)

Answer 11

1) Separation of power (prevent abuse)
2) checks and balances (encourages compromise)
3) limits on the majority (prevent tyranny)

Question 12

Ratification

Answer 12

• Formations of factions
• Federalists vs. Antifederalists
• Federalist Papers (written to persuade Antifederalists)
• The Bill of Rights (written to appease Antifederalists)

Question 13

Changing the Constitution (formally)

Answer 13

• Congress can propose an amendment by a 2/3 vote in each house (used every amendment)
• National Convention can propose an amendment requested by 2/3 of states (never used)
• State Legislatures can ratify an amendment by 3/4 of states (used all but 21st amendment)
• ## State Conventions can ratify an amendment by 3/4 of states (used for 21st amendment)

Question 14

Changing the constitution (informally)

Answer 14

• Congressional Legislation
• Executive Actions
• Judicial Review
• Political Practice
• Technology

Question 15

Bill of Attainder

Answer 15

Punishes people without a judicial trial

Question 16

The importance of the separation of powers in the American Government system is?

Answer 16

Clearly defined responsibilities and authority for each branch

Question 17

The judicial branch’s primary power in the checks and balance system is to?

Answer 17

Declare laws and executive orders unconstitutional if warranted

Question 18

How does the constitution provide an executive check on the judicial branch?

Answer 18

By nominating federal judges, subject to Senate confirmation

Question 19

What was the most important effect of replacing the Article of Confederation with the Constitution in 1787?

Answer 19

Creation of a strong national government

Question 20

What is not an informal way of changing the constitution?

Answer 20

Calling for a convention of state legislatures

Question 21

What did James Madison believe?

Answer 21

A representative democracy best controls the dangers of factions.

Question 22

What was the original, sole, and express purpose of the convention in Philadelphia?

Answer 22

To revise the articles of Confederation

Question 23

The primary economic failure of the Articles of Confederation was?

Answer 23

Congress could not collect taxes

Question 24

A bill of attainder?

Answer 24

Punishes people without a judicial trial