The Constitution - Flashcards
What makes America difficult to govern
Diverse cultures, languages, religions
Different Time Zones
What are the results of the size and diversity of America
- Need for symbols of unity
Attachment to the flag - Decentralisation
Federal system of government
When was the constitution written
1787
Aims of the constitution
- Strengthen the union between states
- Define powers and limitation of central government
- Protect rights of state govts
- Protect individual’s rights
8th amendment
Abolishment of slavery
15th amendment
Right to vote for all races
19th amendment
Right to vote for women
How are states represented in the lower house
In the House of Representatives, states are represented proportionally to population
How are states represented in the upper house
In the Senate, states are represented equally, regardless of population
What does Bill of Rights mean
Collective name for first 10 amendments
Example of rights from Bill of Rights
Freedom of religion
Right to bear arms
Strengths of the constitution
- Produced a stable political system over 200 years
- Diffusing power throughout federal govt. & preventing tyranny or unbalanced conc. of power
- Balancing need for effective govt. & protection of state rights
- Sufficient vagueness to allow evolution to meet current political needs
Weaknesses of the constitution
Too vague
Too hard to amend
Unelected judiciary has excessive power
Request occurrence of gridlock