Lecture 4 - The US Constitution Flashcards
What were the articles of confederation?
The nations first government created during American Revolution
What were the successes of the Articles of confederation (theres 2)
Land ordinance of 1785 and Northwest Ordinance of 1787
What were the numerous shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation?
There was too much liberty and democracy
Why might someone question if the US constitution was legal?
Delegates were sent to amend the articles, not create a new government
Who were the Anti federalists
Those who opposed the new constitution
What objections did the anti federalists have on the constitution?
New constitution would create a gov. similar to Britain; awarded financiers and not farmers/artisians
Why were the federalists successful in attaining ratification of the new constitution?
Use of media
Branding
Federalists were much younger
What was the legacy left behind by the Anti-federalists?
The Bill of Rights
What did james Madison say about republics?
A republic could survive in a large nation because of seperation of powers and checks and balances
What did founders think of democracy?
The founders were unsure of the fact that the public could vote
US constitution could limit or overturn majority rule
What did the US constitution say about slavery?
liberty meant the protection of property. Slavery was protectd 5 times
How did delegates from south carolina, Georgia, and others feel about slavery at constitutional convention?
They would not sign the new government if it prohibited slavery
Explain the 3/5 compromise
determined that three out of every five slaves was counted when determining a state’s total population for legislative representation and taxation
Explain the Great Compromise
House of Reps would be based on population
Senate would represent all states equally
Explain the Electoral college
- The senate” Electoral Votes for each state are based on # of reps from house + Senate. If senate favors small states, then E.C. will too
- Winner take all system: Most states give all electoral votes to the majority vote.
