Gov notes for test

Struggle Between the Colonies and Britain

A conflict stemming from colonists' dissatisfaction with British taxation and laws without representation in Parliament.

Taxation without Representation

The colonists' resentment of being taxed by Britain when they had no representatives in British Parliament.

First Continental Congress

A 1774 meeting of delegates from 12 colonies to strategize response to British policies.

Declaration of Independence

The formal statement by the colonies declaring independence from Britain, signed on July 4, 1776.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S., which was largely ineffective due to a weak federal government.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting to create a new Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and freedoms.

Preamble

The introductory statement of the Constitution outlining its purposes, such as ensuring justice and liberty.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to invalidate laws and actions that violate the Constitution.

What was the primary complaint of American colonists against the British government?

Taxation without representation.

Who was the British monarch during the events leading to the American Revolution?

King George III.

What event is referred to as the first major cooperative action by the colonies?

First Continental Congress.

What influential pamphlet did Thomas Paine write to promote independence?

Common Sense.

What did the Constitution aim to improve upon that the Articles of Confederation lacked?

Stronger federal government with powers to tax and regulate trade.

How many amendments are there in the U.S. Constitution?

27 amendments.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

It states that federal laws and the U.S. Constitution are the supreme law of the land.

What principle emphasizes that government's powers are limited by law?

Limited Government.

What system prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and Balances.

What document outlines the purposes of the Constitution and is found at its beginning?

Preamble.

What process is used to formally amend the Constitution?

Proposing and ratifying an amendment.

Who primarily wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

What practice established by the custom limits the President to two terms?

Presidential Term Limit.

Which article of the Constitution establishes the Judicial Branch?

Article III.

What does federalism refer to in the context of government?

A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

What major impact did Marbury v. Madison have on the U.S. government?

It established the principle of judicial review.

When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

July 4, 1776.

What major event did the Second Continental Congress manage?

The Revolutionary War.

In what year did the Constitutional Convention take place?

What does Popular Sovereignty imply about government authority?

Government authority comes from the people.

What principle underlines that no one, including government officials, is above the law?

Rule of Law.