United States Political System Flashcards
What is the difference between the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution. were wartime documents, and were too limited to serve as the basis for government.
Confederation- grouping together of states. Fighting off the British.
What issues did the Articles of Confederation settle (within the states)?
- Raising an army- Need to create an army from all the stats.
- Fund the war effort- Need to print and borrow money. Set up a system under the articles of confederation.
- Territorial disputes- Who gets what states.
A limited document, only covered these three things. Once they got further along in the Revolutionary War they needed to come up with a stronger document. They needed a constitution.
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
The US didn’t trust government, they gave too much power to the states. Fear of strong control like the British held against them.
What was Shay’s rebellion?
Happened in 1786 in Massachusetts. Farmers were in debt and they rebelled against government. Example of how Articles of Confederation lacked order.
What came after the Articles of Confederation?
- James Madison came up with the Virginia Plan which had two houses.
- The continental congress met and came up the New Jersey Plan which gave congress the right to tax and congress would a house and the government would have an executive and a judical branch.
- the convention deadlocked over the two plans.
They come up with the Great Compromise. Then came the United States Constitution and an additional Bill of Rights.
Info about the Constitution
established the U.S. government as it exists today
attempted to protect citizens freedoms through the Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments = Bill of Rights.
Legislative branch
Makes LAWS
Congress (Bicameral/meaning 2 houses)
why we have 2 houses, populous versus non-populous state
-House of Reps (based on population)
-Senate(based on two reps per state)
Bills can be passed by house of reps or senate. Given to the president.
Executive branch
Purpose: enforces laws.
takes laws from legislative and signs it. Or he can veto it- not pass it. If he doesn’t sign, need 2/3rds to pass.
Judicial branch
Purpose: Interprets laws. supreme court + lower couts.
Describe Checks and Balances
designed so no one can become too powerful. Founding fathers did not want anyone to become to powerful. No dictators or Kings.
What are the specific powers each group has in checks and balances?
Congress may pass laws……..but the President can veto them.
The President can veto laws…….but Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote.
The President and Congreess may agree on a law……….but the Supreme Court can declare a law unconsitutional.
The President can appoint Judges and other government officials…….but Senate must approve them.
Supreme Court judges have life terms…….but they can be impeached .
What was Marbury Versus Madison?
An important case during John Marshall’s tenure as Chief Justice. In 1803 they set up this power called Judicial Review, so they can deem a law unconstitutional if necessary.
What are important United States Political Parties?
In chronological order of emergence
1.Federalist/Antifed, Democratic, Whig, Republican
Thomas Jefferson- Antifederalists (limited government, more power given to the states.)
Alexander Hamilton- Federalist (strong federal/central government. Have lots of power)
Antifederalists were often in the south, didn’t want the government to control their slavery.
Federalists- stronger government over the states.
Later, Jackson’s democratic party opposed the whigs. (Democrats and Whigs(republicans)
