Haun Panel Questions Flashcards
Why was forming a central government going to be difficult for the continental congress?
It was hard because the individual colonies were distrustful of a strong central government because of what they went through under British rule.
What led many to believe that the articles of confederation had to be changed?
People thought that it created a weak central government that lacked the power to tax, regulate interstate commerce or even raise a military which would lead them to economic instability.
How were decisions made in formulating the constitution a reaction to the articles of confederation?
The new constitution added a system of checks and balances with 3 branches of government and gave congress the power to tax and regulate commerce.
Describe the men who attended the Philadelphia convention.
Delegates were appointed by state legislatures. They ranged in age and wealth, most were important in their state.
Whose voices were left out of the convention?
Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, James Madison, Samuel Adams, John Adams.
What rules for civil discourse were established at the convention? Why important?
- Delegates from at least 7 states had to be there for the convention to do business. 2. When speaking, delegates had to address the president and everyone else had to lock in. These rules ensured that everyone was represented and heard.
What was the conflict over the Virginia plan?
The Virginia plan called for two legislative houses with the number of representatives per state based on the population, which caused conflict because this meant that bigger states would have more power. The New Jersey plan offered equal representation for every state.
What was the Great Compromise?
This compromise meant that people would vote for representatives in the House based on their state’s population, but every state would have the same number of senators.
Describe the conflict that led to the ⅗’s compromise.
The northern and southern states disagreed about how to count slaves for representation in congress. It did not completely solve the problem as it gave southern states more power.
What is the purpose of separating the powers?
The purpose was to prevent the government from becoming tyrannical and corrupt. Examples include legislative power checking the judiciary, executive power vetoing legislation, and judicial power declaring laws unconstitutional.
What were some conflicts about the establishment of the executive branch?
Delegates debated whether the executive branch should have a single leader or a plural executive, the length of the president’s term, and reelection eligibility.
How does the electoral college work?
The electoral college consists of the same number of reps from each state who vote for two presidential candidates. The candidate with the most votes becomes president.
In what ways is the judiciary branch different from the other branches?
It is the only branch that can review and revise the abilities of the other two branches of government.
What powers were left to the states?
Powers left to the states include regulating interstate commerce, establishing state governments, and conducting local elections.
What impact did slavery have on the development of the constitution?
It impacted representation and taxation, leading to the ⅗’s compromise, which gave southern states more political power and contributed to future conflicts.
Who were the anti-federalists and what do they believe?
The anti-federalists were a group opposing the ratification of the constitution, believing in the basic ideas of republicanism. (George Mason. Patrick Henry.)
What were the main objections of the anti-federalists to the constitution?
They believed the constitution gave too much power to congress, the president, and national courts, leading to potential abuse and lack of true representation.
Who were the federalists and what do they believe regarding the constitution?
The federalists supported the ratification of the constitution, believing it was the best way to promote republicanism and protect people’s rights. (Alexander Hamilton. James Madison.)
Describe the ratification process. And what led it to being successful?
At least 9 votes were needed for ratification. It was successful because federalists compromised with anti-federalists to create a bill of rights.
In what ways do we still see conversations about the role of government?
We see this in cases like brown vs the board of education. In this case the state of Kansas was not fulfilling the African American peoples right to be educated. The supreme court stepped in and overruled the state of Kansas, ending segregation.
