constitution Flashcards
What was put into the constitution to allow for the changing needs of society?
The elastic clause. Amendments and Implied Powers Clause. Congress can make all laws that they deem necessary and proper.
What are Natural Rights?
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
What part of the Constitution gives power to the people?
Preamble (we the people)
What was the purpose of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
To convince the colonists to break away from England.
What exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Shays Rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the AOC of being unable to raise an army (and tax).
What are some early forms of representative governments?
Virginia House of Burgesses, Mayflower Compact, and town hall meetings
What was the proclamation line of 1763?
Stated colonists had to stay east of the Appalachian Mts in order to avoid conflict with the Native Americans.
Why did the colonists boycott British goods?
To rebel against the unfair taxes placed on them by Britain
What is Mercantilism?
Colonies exist to benefit the mother country by providing raw materials which the Mother Country turns into manufactured good and then resells the products to the colonies.
How has the Declaration of Independence influenced other countries?
It has provided a framework for countries seeking independence from unjust governments.
Where did the Articles of Confederation place all the power? Why?
The state governments because the people feared a strong central government.
Why did the writers of the Constitution decide to give congress the power to tax?
In order to correct a weakness under the Articles of Confederation.
What was Great Compromise? NJ Plan? Virginia Plan?
It was a compromise between large and small states in regards to taxation and representation. NJ Plan was for the small states and gave everyone an equal number of representatives (2) and created the senate. The VA plan was for large states and based representation on population leading to the House of Reps.
What is a bicameral legislature?
A two chamber government, known as congress and is seen in the Legislative branch.
What are the Constitutional Compromises?
The Great Compromise, the ⅗ compromise, The bill of rights, slavery, electoral college.