Orgins Of American government Test Flashcards
What were the main concepts behind Jean Jacques Rousseau’s writings?
The social contract (1762)
- only good government is one freely formed by the people
- government should be guided by the “general will” of society
- direct democracy
Why is the Mayflower Compact considered a social contract?
Because the colonist agreed to follow the rules outlined in the document in order to assure their survival and they pledged their allegiance to the king of England
What was the purpose behind the Declaration of Independence?
- to claim complete independence from England
- “repeated injuries and usurpations” against the colonies by King George 3
- the existence of a new nation
What was the first written plan of government in the United States?
Articles of Confederation
How was the articles of confederation described?
- Composed of a unicameral congress
- Granted very little powers, only legislative powers, created “firm league of friendship” among the States
How was the articles of confederation organized?
States wrote their own constitutions to replace royalty
Why did delegates meet at a convention in May 1787?
To revise government
-Delegates from 12 states determined the articles were too weak and that they needed a new government (constitutional convention)
Why did the new Constitution not go into effect right away?
Because it lacked ratification; 9/13 states must approve the doc.
-some disapproved because it lacked protection of the citizen from the government
Why did the Anti Federalist oppose the new constitution?
Because…
- huge increase in power of central gov’t
- lack of a bill of rights
- God was not mentioned in the document
- did not allow states to print money
- ratification process (all or nothing)
Why did the Federalist support the new constitution?
Because…
-they stressed the weaknesses of the articles
-argued need of a new, strong, central government
-the federalist papers
•essays written to answer the anti federalist attacks to the new constitution
•appeared in newspapers, pamphlets,etc
Why did the states agree to ratify the constitution?
Because the of the promise of the bill of rights, when New Hampshire became the 9th state to agree
What were the main concepts behind John Locke’s writings?
Two treaties of Governement (1690)
- government is based on a social contract between people/rulers
- all men are born with natural rights:life, liberty, and property
- when gov’t doesn’t protect these natural rights it can be abolished
What happened on September 17,1787?
The final draft of the constitution was adopted by the constitutional convention
