Constitution Flashcards
What were the 7 weaknesses of the AOC?
- No power to tax
- Congress could not afford an Army or Navy
- No president/central power
- Had to be a unanimous vote to change the AOC
- Could not regulate trade agreements
- No central Judiciary-courts
- Congress could not enforce laws
How did the Constitution change these weaknesses of the AOC?
Congress can tax, so we have enough money for a military, Congress can regulate trade, Created the Executive and Judicial Branch, The changes of the Constitution were now changed to 2/3 Congress and 3/4 states. A president position was created.
What happened in Shays rebellion?
Farmers in Massachusetts were upset because their farms were being taken
away to pay for debts the had after not getting paid for serving in the war.
Why did the AOC need to be replaced?
The central government plan was too weak to run and govern effectively.
Who were the federalists and what was their viewpoint on ratifying the constitution?
They wanted to have the central government have the power, and wanted the constitution. (Profitable People)
What was the viewpoint of Anti-Federalists on ratifying the Constitution?
They did not want to ratify the Constitution because they were afraid the government would become tyrannical and take away their rights.
What had to be added to get the Anti-Federalists to ratify the Constitution?
Bill of Rights
What were the federalist papers?
A group of newspaper articles that were trying to get people to ratify the constitution through the anonymous paper writers- Madison, and Hamilton
What were the Anti-Federalist Papers?
Papers opposing the new constitution.
What is the Preamble?
The introduction to the constitution to explain the purposes of the document.
What does ‘We the People’ mean?
The power comes from the people.
What does the word ordain mean?
To establish or make official
What is the first step to amend the Constitution?
2/3 vote of Congress after a proposal. (BOTH houses)
What is the second to amend the constitution?
3/4 vote of the states- constitutional convention or the legislatures.
Why is hard to amend the constitution?
The founding fathers made it hard to amend the constitution so it wouldn’t be amended all the time and only things that should be in the constitution are there.
