Chapter Two

Question 1

Declaration of Independence

Answer 1

The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against British monarch and declared their independence.

Question 2

U.S. Constitutions

Answer 2

the fundamental or organic law of the U.S., framed in 1787 by the Constitutional Convention

Question 3

Natural Rights

Answer 3

Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property.. The concept of natural rights was central to English philosopher John Locke’s theories about government, and was widely accepted among America’s founding fathers.

Question 4

Consent of the Governed

Answer 4

The idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people.

Question 5

Limited Government

Answer 5

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.

Question 6

Articles of Confederation

Answer 6

the government charter of the states from 1776 until the Constitution of 1787

Question 7

Shay’s Rebellion

Answer 7

An armed attempt by Revolutionary War veterans to avoid losing their property by preventing the courts in western Massachusetts from meeting

Question 8

Factions

Answer 8

A group of people sharing a common interest who seek to influence public policy for their collective benefit

Question 9

Connecticut Compromise

Answer 9

The compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention that established two houses of Congress: the House of Representatives, in which representation is based on a state’s share of the U.S. population, and the Senate, in which each state has two representatives.

Question 10

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Answer 10

A court order requiring police officials to produce an individual held in custody and show sufficient cause for that person’s detention

Question 11

Seperation of Powers

Answer 11

A constitutional principle separating the personnel of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government

Question 12

Checks and Balances

Answer 12

The power of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to block some acts by the other two branches

Question 13

Republic

Answer 13

A form of democracy in which leaders and representatives are selected by means of popular competitive elections

Question 14

Federalists

Answer 14

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution at the time the states were contemplating its adoption.

Question 15

Anti-federalists

Answer 15

Opponents of the American Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption.

Question 16

Federalist Papers

Answer 16

A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name “Publius” to defend the Constitution in detail.

Question 17

Bill of Rights

Answer 17

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, drafted in response to some of the Anti-Federalist concerns. These amendments define such basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, and press and guarantee defendants’ rights.

Question 18

Equal Rights Amendment

Answer 18

A constitutional amendment passed by Congress in 1972 stating that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” The amendment failed to acquire the necessary support from three-fourths of the state legislatures.

Question 19

Mardbury v. Madison, 1803

Answer 19

The 1803 case in which Chief Justice John Marshall and his associates first asserted the right of the Supreme Court to determine the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. The decision established the Court’s power of judicial review over acts of Congress, in this case the Judiciary Act of 1789.

Question 20

Judicial Review

Answer 20

The power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress, and by implication the executive, are in accord with the U.S. Constitution. Judicial review was established by John Marshall and his associates in Marbury v. Madison.