Early American Government, Constitution, and Political System

Flashcards reviewing key concepts, structure, and historical context of the U.S. Constitution, government branches, and electoral mechanisms based on lecture slides.

What action did the Second Continental Congress take on July 4, 1776?

It adopted the Declaration of Independence.

What is the principle of popular sovereignty in state constitutions?

It states that government can exist and function only with the consent of the governed, and that the people hold power and are sovereign.

What kind of relationship did the Articles of Confederation establish among the States?

It established "a firm league of friendship" among the States.

What powers were granted to Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

Congress was given the power to declare war, deal with national finance issues, and settle disputes among the States.

What majority was required to pass laws under the Articles of Confederation?

A $9/13$ majority.

What meeting in 1785 led to the call for all thirteen states to meet at the Constitutional Convention?

A meeting of representatives from Maryland and Virginia at Mount Vernon, Virginia, to discuss trade issues.

Who served as the President of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

George Washington.

Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution"?

James Madison.

How many states attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

12 of the 13 states.

What topic is addressed in Article I of the U.S. Constitution?

The Legislative branch.

What topic is addressed in Article II of the U.S. Constitution?

The Executive branch.

What topic is addressed in Article III of the U.S. Constitution?

The Judicial branch.

What is judicial review?

The power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a governmental action.

What are expressed powers of the National Government?

Powers directly found within the Constitution, such as the 16th Amendment granting Congress the power to levy taxes.

What is established by the Supremacy Clause in the Constitution?

It establishes the Constitution and United States laws as the "supreme Law of the Land."

What amendment set the start date of a new congressional term to noon on January 3rd of every odd-numbered year?

The 20th Amendment (1933).

What law fixed the permanent size of the House of Representatives at 435 members?

The Reapportionment Act of 1929.

What is gerrymandering, and after whom was it named?

The act of drawing congressional districts to the advantage of the political party that controls the State legislature; named after Elbridge Gerry, governor of Massachusetts in 1812.

What are the three formal qualifications to be President of the United States?

Be a "natural" born citizen, at least 35 years of age, and a resident in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

What restriction was established by the 22nd Amendment (1951)?

A two-term limit for the President.

Which U.S. President was elected to four terms?

Franklin D. Roosevelt.

What law established the order of presidential succession following the Vice President?

The Presidential Succession Act of 1947.

What two duties does the Vice President have under the Constitution besides filling a presidential vacancy?

1) Serving as ceremonial head of the Senate to vote only in the event of a tie, and 2) helping decide the question of presidential disability.

What reform was enacted by the 12th Amendment in 1804?

It mandated separate ballots for President and Vice President.

How many electoral votes are needed to win a majority in the Electoral College?

270 electoral votes.

In which five presidential elections did the candidate who won the popular vote lose the electoral college vote?

1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, and 2016.