Unit 1 Test Flashcards
Magne Carte
Established due process, limited royal authority, gov by consent, religious freedom
Due process
Fairness in legal matters for all
Which enlightenment prof inspired Thomas jefferson and the DOI
John Locke
What are the major components of the DOI
-the intro, the preamble, the body, and the conclusion
- expressed: equality, unalienable rights, consent of the governed, 3. The right to alter or abolish government
5 weaknesses of the AOC
-only a form league of friendship among states
-each state had 1 vote, regardless of population
-congress was powerless to levy taxes
-congress was powerless to regulate trade or commerce
-no executive power to enforce laws
What was Shay’s rebellion
Fall 1786, Daniel Shay’s lead an armed uprising that forced many state judges to close their courts, which highlighted the weakness of the AOC not permitting a federal/national army. (Debt was so overwhelming that many farmers were losing their land)
Framers
Constitution contributors and writers
Key framers
James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adam’s, Alexander Hamilton, Sam Adam’s, George Madison
The chief architect of the US Constitutional
James Madison
Components of the Virginia plan
-favored by big states
-bicameral lawmaking body
-representation based on population
-created a stronger central government
-Congress can regulate trade and taxes
-3 branches of government
-plan to change AOC
New Jersey Plan
-proposed by small states
-unicameral lawmaking body
-representation based on equality
-similar to AOC
-congress can regulate trade and collect taxes
-3 branches of government
-plans to change AOC
What was the Connecticut compromise
-Authors: Roger Sherman & Oliver Ellsworth (Conn)
-combination of NJ & VA plans
-bicameral lawmaking body
Significance of CN compromise
The compromise provided for a bicameral legislature, with representation in the House of Representatives according to population and in the Senate by equal numbers for each state
Bicameral
2 chambers of congress/lawmaking bodies
3/5 compromise
-3/5 of the total # of slaves counted for population
-slaves made up 1/3 southern population
-southern states wanted slaves to count towards population, even though they could not vote
Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise
Made at the constitutional convention in 1787 to address the slave trade commerce. North got a $10 tax on each slave so that the south could keep the slave trade, and that there would not be a re-vote for another 20 years (imports would be taxed, exports would not)
Federalists
-supported a new const. Vs the AOC
-led by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay
-checks and balances would protect against abuse
-protection of property rights
-const is bill of rights with reserved powers for the states
People: George Washington, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay
Anti-Federalist
-opposed a new constitution
-feared that a strong gov would take away liberties, ignore the will of the people, and favor the rich
-fewer limits in popular participation
-wanted bill of rights
-wanted stronger state gov over stronger national government + strong exec
-favored by smaller states
Led by Patrick Henry, George Mason, Samuel Adam’s
What is the Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments in the constitution, and guarantees civil rights and liberties. Came to be bc anti federalists wanted enumerated, guaranteed rights. Delegates wanted a way to amend the constitution to grow with the times/country. 3/5 of states ratified it.!
Popular sovereignty
Gov is based on the consent of the governed, and power is derived from the people. (Ex. People vote for their gov officials)
Limited government
Government bodies are prohibited from certain activities and only has powers delegated to it by law/constitution
(Ex the us)
Separation of powers
Basic principle of the American government system that the executive, legislative, judicial powers are divided among 3 co-equal branches of gov
Checks and balances
System of overlapping the powers of the 3 branches of government to permit each branch to check the actions of the others (ex judicial branch declares laws unconstitutional)