Chapter 4 - The Constitution

Question 1

U.S. Constitution

Answer 1

Signed 1787 (at the Philadelphia Convention led by George Washington) which took the place of the Articles of Confederation.

Question 2

confederacy

Answer 2

In a confederacy, state governments operate the central government for the benefit of the states. (aka central gov’t only has the power the states give it.)

Question 3

federalism

Answer 3

a division of government’s power between the federal government and the state governments.
Note: “federal” = “national” = “central”

Question 4

Mayflower Compact

Answer 4

the forerunner of America’s Constitution; it set up a civil relationship among Pilgrims in 1620

Question 5

charters

Answer 5

spelled out the relationship between the king and its colonies

Question 6

state constitutions

Answer 6

allowed citizens to see how constitutions affected them in practice because they were ‘closer to home.’ Came before the U.S. constitution.

Question 7

Articles of Confederation

Answer 7

America’s first “national” constitution in 1781 (a more permanent central government than the Second Continental Congress). [Later came the US Constitution.]

Question 8

Second Continental Congress

Answer 8

It acted as the national gov’t during most of the American Revolution (until 1781).

Question 9

Three-Fifths Compromise

Answer 9

One of the many compromises on the US Constitution. It said that 3/5 of a state’s slave population would be counted to calculate both taxation and representation of that state (because larger populations meant more power for that state).

Question 10

Independence Hall

Answer 10

Where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and where the Philadelphia Convention met to decide the US Constitution.

Question 11

separation of powers

Answer 11

Montesquieu’s idea that political powers should be separated among 3 political institutions. The constitution made these 3 the legislative, executive, & judicial. (similar to God’s relationship with His people).

Question 12

checks and balances

Answer 12

Montesquieu’s system to minimize tyranny from any one branch of government. Each branch exercises some control over the other branches to balance power.

Question 13

republic

Answer 13

form of government: voters elect others to represent them in government.

Question 14

delegated powers

Answer 14

powers given to the national government by the Constitution.