chapter 5 test Flashcards
Why did the new states prefer a republic rather than a democracy for their government?
Americans believed that a democracy would be too powerful it would give certain people more power than the average citizen.
Why did the states fear a strong central government?
Government officials could use their self interest to help themselves and others but exclude minorities. The Republic would benefit from self-interest → government should allow independent citizens to pursue their own economic and political interests. They were also scared that the government would end up like the British parliament.
In what ways was the confederation too weak to handle the nation’s problems?
Confederation lacked unity, many states were governments like city states meaning that they had people pursuing the interests of the people in that state. Also many states varied in population so states like Georgia which had 23k people had far less people than Massachusetts which had 235k but wanted the same amount of representatives in the government. In order to pass laws every state had to agree and the national debt was very high so money was a big problem because they printed a lot to supply them in the war. No standing army so countries like Spain and Britain would not take their troops with them or give land they did not own up.
What issues and events led to the Constitutional Convention?
Quarrels over taxes and Shay’s rebellion convinced delegates from the states to meet. After Shay was up to mischief, the other 12 states were convinced to send delegates. May 1787 delegates met except rhode island, gathered in the state house in Philly and shut the windows so no one could eavesdrop. (Lots of delegates were educated and wealthy)
In what ways did compromise play a critical role in the drafting of the Constitution?
Madison Virginia Plan - favored bigger states, Two house or legislature with membership based on each state population.
William Paterson’s New Jersey Plan - Single house congress: Each state had an equal vote
In a two-house congress, each state would have equal representation in the Senate or upper house.
The size of population of the state would determine its representation in the House of Representatives or lower state.
Why was the slave trade an issue at the Constitutional Convention?
There were also problem in the South where they wanted slaves to be counted as people because they had many slaves for labor but the North said no so they came up with the ⅗ compromise where ⅗ of a states slaves found as population.
Briefly explain the separation of powers established by the Constitution.
Legislave branch: to make laws
Executive branch: to carry out laws
Judicial branch: To interpret the law
What were the arguments for and against ratifying the Constitution?
Federalists favored the new Constitution balance of power between state and the national government. Anti federalists opposed having such a strong central government because of what happened with Britain, they thought that if there was such a strong central government the leaders would use their power for their own good.
What was The Federalist and what effect did this publication have on ratification?
The Federalists was 85 essays defending the constitution still used today.
Federalists promised to add a bill of rights of the states that would ratify the constitution. Checks and balances would protect Americans (three branches) Got it ratified.
Why did the states ratify the Constitution once a bill of rights was promised?
Constitution gave people the power to protect their rights through the election of trustworthy leaders. Helped to set in stone the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Why does the legislative branch of the government represent the people most directly? What is the principal job of this branch?
The principal job of the legislative branch is to make laws. Overall, the legislative branch serves as a representation of the people’s voices and values, shaping the legal framework of the nation and holding the government accountable for its actions. Made up of the House of Senate also oversees executive branch
Why are there more members of the House of Representatives than there are of the Senate?
After extensive debate, the framers of the Constitution agreed to create the House with representation based on population and the Senate with equal representation.
Name four powers Congress has.
Foreign affairs, providing national defense, regulating trade between states, declare war
What powers are denied to Congress? to the states?
Supervising education, establishing marriage laws, regulating trade within the state.
Who officially elects the president of the United States? Explain.
The President of the United States is officially elected by the Electoral College, which is made up of electors from each state who cast their votes based on the state’s popular vote.
