unit 1 Flashcards
what society created democracy? 
Athens, Greece 
why did Rome create a republic? 
Rome was too big 
explain the importance of the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights 
they placed limits on government 
explain the social contract theory 
we give up some rights to protect other rights (made up by Thomas Hobbes and Rousseau)
what was Montesquieu’s contribution to our government? 
separation of powers and checks and balances 
what was Locke’s contribution to our government? 
1 influencer of the declaration of independence, and said it was the duty of the people to overthrow government 
What was the main purpose of the declaration of independence?
declare independence from Great Britain 
what are natural rights?
All humans are born with them 
what is one of the concepts of democracy? 
majority rule with minority rights 
What is self assertion?
being possessive of your rights 
define dictatorship
Not responsible to the will of the people 
define the rule of law
Everyone must obey laws, and no one is above the law 
what was the most democratic feature of the constitution
people elected the House of Representatives 
What was the biggest problem with the articles of confederation?
Central government was too weak
Explain the Virginia plan
The constitution
define bicameral
House of representatives and senate 
explain the Connecticut plan (great compromise)
upper house is equal representation. Lower house is proportional representation. 
which was created first the federal or state constitution
States 
define federalist
For constitution (for separation of powers and checks and balances)
define anti-federalist
against constitution (thought necessary and proper clause, gave too much power to government)
What is the supreme law of the land?
Constitution
Which branch of government can admit a state to the union?
legislative branch
what is one of the principles of the constitution?
 Judicial review
who does the preamble say has power? 
The people have power
how does the implied powers and amendment process affect the constitution? 
gives constitution flexibility 
why did many framers of the constitution resist adding a bill of rights
State constitutions already had them 
what is the first step in adding an amendment?
2/3 vote of each house 
what is the second step in adding an amendment? 
3/4 vote of state legislatures
What were the two compromises on slavery?
after 20 years importation of slavery would stop
slaves count 3/5 of a person for taxation and representation 
Why did the northern states agree to compromise with the southern states over slavery?
It was the only way to get southern states to accept the constitution
What was the purpose of the federalist papers?
To ratify the constitution
What does the Bill of Rights demonstrate
Limited government
Explain 19th and 26th amendment
extended voting rights
Define federalism
a state and federal government 
what is a power given to the states?
Regulating gambling alcohol and traffic
Powers in the constitution, given to both state and federal government are known as 
Concurrent powers
Powers in the constitution that are not specifically spelled out but I understood to be federal powers are known as
Implied powers
What is a power denied to both the federal government and state government
deny due process 
what was the relationship of the states under the articles of confederation?
A firm league of friendship 
what is “full faith and credit”
Records in one state are valid in another 
What were the groups in the constitution debating over?
where the power should be given to
