Government and politics of the USA

Question 1

Articles of Confederation

Answer 1

• First attempt to create government
• 13 states agreement
• Provided central government

Question 2

Articles of Confederation Powers and Limitation

Answer 2

Powers
- Government could declare war
- Conduct foreign affairs
- Make Treaties
- Coin money

Limitations
- Could not collect taxes (left up to states)

Question 3

What was Shays’ Rebellion and why was it significant?

Answer 3

• Led by farmers
• Opposed economic hardship, high taxes and debt closures
• Shut down courts

Significance
- Revealed the weaknesses of federal government
- Call for a stronger central government

Question 4

Constitutional Convention

Answer 4

• 55 attendees
• Drew up US constitution in 1787
• Had to be ratified by 9/13 states before it came into effect

Question 5

Key features of US constitution

Answer 5

Codified
- Written down in a single document.
Limited government​
- Limits power of government.
Flexibility
- Allows for amendments.
- E.g. 22nd 2 term limit on presidency
Federalism
- Powers split up between states and central government
Constitutional sovereignty​
- Article 6 “Constitution shall be the supreme law of land”

Question 6

Principles of US constitution

Answer 6

1. Separations of Powers:
   3 branches of the government
2. Checks and balances
   Each branch can partially control the others
3. Federalism
   Government kept small and decentralized

Question 7

Checks and balances

Answer 7

Each branch has the authority to limit the powers of the other branches.