Unit 1: Constitution Flashcards
Virginia Plan
a plan of government proposed by James Madison at the Constitutional Convention. The plan called for the creation of a three-branch supreme national government with a bicameral legislative branch.
proposed that the national gov’t should be made up of 3 branches
New Jersey plan
a plan of government proposed by William Patterson at the Constitutional Convention regarding the structure of the federal government as a response to the Virginia Plan. The plan consisted of a unicameral legislative branch rather than a bicameral one, such as the one proposed in the Virginia Plan.
supported by smaller states
was made in response to the Virginia plan because delegates feared larger states would overpower the gov’t because of their larger populations
proposed ideas regarding congress similar to the Articles of Confederation
called for a unicameral legislature with one vote for each state
Great Compromise/Connecticut Compromise
an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention which resolved disputes regarding small and large states and their representation in the government.
3/5 Compromise
an agreement reached during the Constitutional convention which stated that ⅗ of a state’s slave population would be counted towards their overall population, as slaves did not have the same rights other Americans had
federalism
a system of government where several states adhere to one central government while still remaining independent in internal issues.
state powers under federalism
ducation: States have the authority to establish and regulate public education systems, set educational standards, and fund schools.
Transportation: States manage and maintain infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public transportation systems.
Public Safety: States oversee law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical services.
Healthcare: States administer public health programs, manage Medicaid, and regulate healthcare facilities and providers.
Elections: States conduct elections, manage voter registration, and set rules for voting procedures.
Local Government: States have the power to create and regulate local governments, including cities, counties, and municipalities.
Licensing: States issue licenses for various professions and businesses, such as doctors, lawyers, and contractors.
concurrent powers between the state and federal gov’t under federalism
Taxation: Both state and federal governments can levy and collect taxes to fund their operations.
Borrowing Money: Both can borrow money on credit to finance various projects and operations.
Law Enforcement: Both can establish and maintain police forces and law enforcement agencies.
Public Welfare: Both can create and administer social welfare programs to support their citizens.
Court Systems: Both can establish and operate their own court systems to adjudicate legal disputes.
Building Infrastructure: Both can build and maintain roads, bridges, and other public works.
Regulating Commerce: Both can regulate trade within their jurisdictions, though federal law often takes precedence over state law in interstate matters.
national powers under federalism
Coining Money: The federal government has the exclusive authority to mint money and regulate its value.
Regulating Interstate and Foreign Commerce: The federal government controls trade between states and with other countries.
Declaring War: Only the federal government has the power to declare war on other nations.
Maintaining Armed Forces: The federal government is responsible for raising and maintaining the military.
Conducting Foreign Affairs: The federal government handles international relations, including treaties and diplomacy.
Establishing Post Offices: The federal government is responsible for establishing and regulating postal services.
Imposing Tariffs and Duties: The federal government can levy taxes on imports and exports.
Making Treaties: The federal government can enter into agreements with other countries, with the approval of the Senate.
Establishing Federal Courts: The federal government has the authority to establish lower federal courts in addition to the Supreme Court.
articles of the Constitution (I,II,III)
Article 1 - legislative branch
Article 2 - executive branch
Article 3 - Judicial branch
Federalists Papers
The federalist papers were a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution
The Federalists Papers were needed to promote the ratification of the Constitution and convince/sway the general public to ratify the constitution
Necessary and proper clause
gives the legislative branch the power to enforce and create laws they feel are necessary
term limits (house of reps, senate)
2 years, no term limit
6 years, no term limit
State of the union
annual message that the president delivers regarding the state of the country
supremacy clause
federal government is supreme over state law; “supreme law of the land”
branches of the government
legislative, executive, judicial
I Amendment
Congress cant take away rights for freedom of speech, religion, petition, assembly
Protects people from being sued or arrested for exercising these rights
Hate speech is not protected under the first amendment
Applies to people of all ages (including under 18 years of age)
Protects the right to peacefully protest for all people and speak freely/petition the gov’t
This amendment was put into place because under Britain’s gov;t, people were not allowed to criticize the gov’t.
James Maddison
“Father of the Constitution”
helped to draft the Constitution and played a crucial role in establishing the way the gov’t is organized and took notes on the Constitutional Convention.
delegate for virginia
wrote the first drafts of the U.S. Constitution
co-wrote the federalist papers
sponsored the Bill of Rights
established the democratic-republic party
initiated the war of 1812
served two terms in the White House
legislative branch
Structure: Establishes the two houses of Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Powers: Details the powers and duties of Congress, including the ability to make laws, levy taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.
Checks and Balances: Includes provisions for the impeachment of federal officials.
executive branch
Structure: Establishes the office of the President and Vice President.
Powers: Outlines the powers and duties of the President, such as enforcing laws, commanding the military, conducting foreign policy, and making treaties (with Senate approval).
Election and Removal: Details the process for electing the President and Vice President, including the Electoral College, and the procedures for impeachment.
