Chapter 2: The Founding And The Constitution

Question 1

Americas first written constitution; served as a basis for America’s national government until 1789

Answer 1

Articles of Confederation

Question 2

A system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for the powers expressly delegated to the national government

Answer 2

Confederation

Question 3

A framework for the Constitution, introduced by Edmund Randolph, that called for representation in the national legislature based on the population of each state

Answer 3

Virginia plan

Question 4

A framework for the Constitution,
introduced by William Paterson, that called for equal state representation in the national legislature regardless of population

Answer 4

New Jersey plan

Question 5

The agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that gave each state and equal number of senators regardless of its population but linked representation in the House of Representatives to population

Answer 5

Great Compromise

Question 6

The agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that stipulated that for purposes of the apportionment of the congressional seats every slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person

Answer 6

Three-Fifths Compromise

Question 7

Having a legislative assembly composed of two chambers or houses

Answer 7

Bicameral

Question 8

Mechanisms through which each branch of government is able to participate in and influence in activities of the other branches;

Answer 8

Checks and balances

Question 9

The electors from each state who meet after the popular election to cast ballots for president and Vice President

Answer 9

Electoral College

Question 10

The first 10 amendments to the US constitution, ratified in 1791; they ensure certain rights and liberties to the people

Answer 10

Bill of Rights

Question 11

The division of governmental power among several institutions must cooperate and decision making

Answer 11

Separation of powers

Question 12

A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments

Answer 12

Federalism

Question 13

Specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress and to the president

Answer 13

Expressed powers

Question 14

The concluding paragraph of article 1, section 8, of the Constitution (also known as the “necessary and proper clause”), which provides Congress with the authority to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers

Answer 14

Elastic Clause

Question 15

The power of courts to review and, if necessary, declare actions of the legislative and executive branches invalid or unconstitutional

Answer 15

Judicial review

Question 16

The Supreme Court asserted this court power in Marbury v. Madison 1803

Answer 16

Judicial review

Question 17

Article VI of the Constitution,
Which states that laws passed by the national government and all treaties are that supreme law of the land and superior to all laws adopted by any state or any subdivision

Answer 17

Supremacy clause

Question 18

Those who favored a strong national government and supported the constitution propose at the American Constitutional Convention of 1787

Answer 18

Federalists

Question 19

Those who favored strong state government and week national government and who were opponents of the constitution proposed at the American constitutional convention of 1787

Answer 19

Antifederalist

Question 20

A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John J supporting ratification of the Constitution

Answer 20

Federalist Papers

Question 21

Oppressive government that employs cruel and unjust use of power and authority

Answer 21

Tyranny

Question 22

A principle of constitutional government; A government whose powers are defined and limited by the constitution

Answer 22

Limited government

Question 23

Change added to a bill, law, or constitution

Answer 23

Amendment

Question 24

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

Answer 24

Checks and balances

Question 25

called for representation in the national legislature based on the population of each state

Answer 25

Virginia Plan

Question 26

called for equal state representation in the national legislature regardless of population

Answer 26

New Jersey Plan