Exam Review Sheet

Question 1

Summarize the history of the American colonies prior to the Declaration of
Independence.

Question 2

What were the six major ideas of the Enlightenment?

Answer 2

• Individualism
• Reason
• Liberty
• Equality
• Laissez faire economic competition (Adam Smith)
• Property rights (Locke)

Question 3

Characterize U.S. culture at the time of its independence.

Question 4

What are the implications of a highly individualistic culture?

Question 5

What is the Articles of Confederation?

Question 6

How did the Articles of Confederation influence the architects of the current U.S.
Constitution? What are some of the principles that embody the current Constitution?

Question 7

What were the compromises reflected in the Constitution? What were the conflicting
interests and solutions?

Question 8

What are Checks and Balances? What are the specific Checks and Balances in the
Constitution?

Question 9

Why is the Constitution at times vague about the powers of Congress in particular?

Question 10

What is federalism?

Question 11

What is dual federalism?

Question 12

What is marble cake federalism?

Question 13

What are block grants?

Question 14

What is the history of State and Federal relations?

Question 15

Why is federalism an important concept in U.S. history?

Question 16

What are civil liberties?

Question 17

List some examples of civil liberties

Question 18

What are the important Supreme Court cases that have defined important boundaries
between the government and individual?

Question 19

What are Civil Rights?

Question 20

Which Amendments to the Constitution are associated with Civil Rights?

Question 21

What are the important Supreme Court cases that have affected civil rights?

Question 22

Historically track the history of civil rights for African Americans from the Civil War
onwards.

Question 23

Are there other groups to which civil rights apply?