Lecture 7: The US Constitution

Question 1

what was the predecessor of the consituttion

Answer 1

• Articles of Confederation (’77-’78)

Question 2

when was the constitution formed

Answer 2

1787):

Question 3

what was the central problem of the constitution

Answer 3

• Central problem: balance of order (an effective gov) and power
o Provide order but not enough to be self-serving
• Federalist vs anti-federalist when compromising

Question 4

principals of constitution controlling power

Answer 4

1. written const
2. bill of rights
3. separation of powers and check and balances
4. federalism

Question 5

how does a written constitution seperate power

Answer 5

reduces ambiguities, elevates above present day

Question 6

how does a bill of rights seperate power

Answer 6

o Individuals’ rights and freedoms are guaranteed

o Seeks to limit gov power via establishment of non-interpretation

Question 7

how does a seperation of powers works

Answer 7

a. SoP: dispersal of powers
 Via strong federalism, 3 branches of gov
 Constituencies and Terms of Office (senate=6, SC= life)

Question 8

how does checks and balances work

Answer 8

b. CaB: ambition to check ambition, overlapping responsibilities
 Overlap Examples:
• Legislation must be passed in identical language by both House and Senate, President may veto
• President nominates Supreme Court justices, Senate must confirm
• Congress (joint House and Senate) must declare war

Question 9

types of federal power

Answer 9

inherent (const)= specified power i.e. point money regulate commerce

implicit (congress)= necessary laws made

reserved powers (state)= tax, local gov