Unit Two Constitution Flashcards
Government
The institution through which allows society to make and enforce its own laws.
Sovereignty
The country makes its own rules– does not have to follow another country
Direct Democracy
Citizens directly vote on laws
Representative Democracy
The people elect representatives to make laws in the legislature.
Dictatorship
Power held by a single person or a small group
6 purposes of government based on the Preamble
Form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote general welfare, secure the blessings of liberty
Executive power
The power to execute, enforce, and administer laws
Legislative power
The power to make laws and shape public policies
Judicial power
The power to interpret laws to determine meaning and settle disputes
What are the unalienable rights?
Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness
Where does the government get its power?
The people
When is it necessary for people to change their government?
If the unalienable rights are not being protected
What are the Articles of Confederation?
A loose confederation created by the original 13 states. It had a weak central government and strong state governments.
How many branches did the Articles of Confederation have? What was it?
One, it was a legislative branch
In the Articles of Confederation, each state was allowed to print its own money. How was this changed in the constitution?
Only the national government can print money.
In the Articles of Confederation, there was no federal court system to handle state disputes. How was this changed in the constitution?
A federal court system was created.
In the Articles of Confederation, Congress couldn’t force states to send troops for national use. How was this changed in the constitution?
Congress has the power to create an Army and Navy.
In the Articles of Confederation, 9 out of 13 states had to agree to an important bill before it could become a law. How was this changed in the constitution?
A simple majority (51%) is needed in both houses of Congress.
In the Articles of Confederation, all 13 states had to agree to an amendment. How was this changed in the constitution?
2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of the states are needed to amend the Constitution.
In the Articles of Confederation, Congress did not have the power to tax people directly. How was this changed in the constitution?
The national government can now tax people directly.
In the Articles of Confederation, Congress could not regulate interstate or foreign commerce. How was this changed in the constitution?
Congress is given the power to regular interstate (between states) or foreign commerce.
In the Articles of Confederation, no executive branch was provided to carry out the laws of Congress. How was this changed in the constitution?
Article II created the executive branch to enforce laws.
What was the initial purpose for meeting at the Constitutional Convention?
Revise the Articles of Confederation.
How did the Virginia Plan propose to establish representation in the Legislative Branch?
Representation should be based on each state’s population.
How did the New Jersey Plan propose to establish representation in the Legislative Branch?
Equal number of representatives in the legislature from each state.
What did the Great Compromise decide?
A two house legislature: One house with representation based on population (House of Representatives), and one house with equal representation (Senate).
What was the Three-Fifths compromise?
Each state would count 3/5 of the slave population for determining population and taxation.
What was the Electoral College Compromise?
The electoral compromise would pick the president.
How many states had to ratify the Constitution?
9 out of 13 states
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution.
What is Federalism?
Power is shared between states and the central government.
Who has the power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce?
Delegate (National Government)
Who has the power to maintain and deploy military forces?
Delegate (National Government)
Who has the power to coin and print money?
Delegate (National Government)
Who has the power to provide an army and navy?
Delegate (National Government)
Who has the power to declare war?
Delegate (National Government)
Who has the power to make foreign treaties?
Delegate (National Government)
Who has the power to regulate immigration and naturalization?
Delegate (National Government)
Who has the power to levy taxes?
Concurrent (both National and State Governments)
Who has the power to borrow money?
Concurrent (both National and State Governments)
Who has the power to establish courts?
Concurrent (both National and State Governments)
Who has the power to enact and enforce laws?
Concurrent (both National and State Governments)
Who has the power to regulate interstate (trade within state) commerce?
Reserved (state power)
Who has the power to establish local governments?
Reserved (state power)
Who has the power to establish public school systems?
Reserved (state power)
Who has the power to establish requirements for certain professions?
Reserved (state power)
Who has the power to conduct elections?
Reserved (state power)
