Constitutional Foundations

Federalism

A big strong government

Federalists

• The national government would have more power, devising it into branches of government.

Anti-federalists

• wanted important political powers to remain within states, feared the executive branch would become too powerful, and that the states should have set rights that can’t be changed.

Why did Anti-federalists like the Articles of Confederation?

• The anti-federalists liked the AOC because it allowed the states to have the most power, the federal government couldn’t make them pay taxes, and there was no threat of tyranny.

Why did Federalists think there was a need to write a new Constitution?

• Federalists wanted a new constitution because the government was slow and weak. The country was in a complete economic crisis.

What is the Bill of Rights?

• The bill of rights added set unchanging rights that were guaranteed to the people.

• What are the rights outlined in the First Amendment?

• The rights of the first amendment are freedom of speech, religion, assembly, press, and petition.

• Why do we have three branches of government?

• We have three branches of government so they provide checks and balances for each other so none gain too much power.

Legislative Branch

• Contains Congress (the house of representatives and senate) it is responsible for government funding and making laws.

Executive Branch

• Contains the president, vice president, and the cabinet. They are in charge of international affairs, military, and carry out laws.

Judicial Branch

• Responsible for interpreting and applying laws to settle disputes (Supreme Court)