last minute cramming Flashcards
Name all the articles and what they cover.
Article I: Legislative Branch, Article II: Executive Branch, Article III: Judiciary Branch, Article IV: State Relations, Article V: Amendment Process, Article VI: National Supremacy, Article VII: Ratification Process
What was important about the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration of Independence was a document that the colonists wrote declaring their grievances against Britain’s rule. It established the concept of popular sovereignty and stated that all humans had the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
What was wrong about the Articles of Confederation?
Under the Articles of Confederation, the colonies had a weak central government and strong state governments. The central government could not levy taxes (making paying for the American Revolution difficult), establish a national currency, amend the constitution without unanimous agreement, or raise an army. One of these flaws were highlighted in Shays Rebellion, in which the national government had difficulty in controlling the rebellion.
What article and section outlined Congress’s powers?
Article I Section 4
What is the amendment process?
2/3 of HOR and 2/3 of Senate must propose an amendment and 3/4 of states must ratify.
What is the Supremacy Clause and where is it found?
The Supremacy Clause states that in areas of law in which federal law and state law overlap, federal law reigns superior. This clause is found in Article VI.
First Amendment
right to free speech, assembly, religion, petition, and press
Second Amendment
right to bear arms
Third Amendment
prohibits the quartering of soldiers
Fourth Amendment
prohibits searches/seizures without a warrant
Fifth Amendment
rights of formally arrested individuals. protection against double jeopardy and self-incrimination. right to due process.
Sixth Amendment
right to a speedy public trial
Seventh Amendment
right to jury trial in civil cases
Eighth Amendment
no cruel or unusual punishment, no excessive fine/bail
Ninth Amendment
rights of citizens are protected regardless of if they are listed in the Constitution or not
Tenth Amendment
all powers not given to the federal government are allocated to the states/people
Fourteenth Amendment
equal protection clause
Fifteenth Amendment
extended suffrage to Black men
Sixteenth Amendment
established an income tax
Seventeenth Amendment
direct election of the Senate
Nineteenth Amendment
extended suffrage to women
Twenty-second Amendment
limited the president to serve only two terms
Twenty-fourth Amendment
eliminated poll taxes
Twenty-sixth Amendment
lowered the voting age to 18
What did Federalist No. 10 talk about?
Madison talked about the danger of factions and how their consequences can be minimized through the structure of a republican government. The size and diversity of the nation will prevent one faction from attaining too much power, and because of the amount of competition, factions will be forced to compromise.
What did Brutus No. 1 talk about?
The author argued that a confederacy was better because the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause would excessively strip the states of their power. They also argued that the representatives under the Constitution’s government will not adequately represent the wants of who they represent.
What did Federalist No. 51 talk about?
Madison talked about the separation of powers and checks and balances under the Constitution. While the legislative branch as a whole is disproportionately more powerful than the other branches, it works because 1. the branch represents the people and thus should have the most power and 2. Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning that its power is distributed. Madison also talks about federalism.
What did Federalist No. 70 talk about?
Hamilton argued for a single executive instead of multiple because the executive will be more able to respond quickly and decisively to national emergencies. This contrasts the legislative branch’s slower process in decision-making. One president will also prevent the concealment of faults and responsibility.
What did Federalist No. 78 talk about?
Hamilton talked about how life tenure should be granted to SCOTUS judges because it will create quality judges that will interpret the Constitution uninfluenced by popular opinion. He also talked about judicial review and the rights for SCOTUS to check the actions of the Executive and Legislative branches.
