psc lecture 1

What was the primary issue with the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles were too decentralized, giving excessive power to the states.

What were some weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?

Difficulty passing laws, impossible to amend, unable to collect taxes, no regulation of interstate commerce, and lack of a strong national army/navy.

What significant event exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Shays' Rebellion in 1786.

What was the goal of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

To establish a better balance between federal and state power.

What did the Virginia Plan propose?

Representation in Congress based on state population, favoring large states.

What was the New Jersey Plan's proposal?

Equal representation for all states, favoring small states.

What did the Great Compromise establish?

A bicameral Congress with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation.

What was the 3/5 Compromise concerning?

Slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

What are the key powers of the Executive Branch as outlined in Article II of the Constitution?

The President nominates federal officials/judges, serves as commander-in-chief, grants pardons, and receives ambassadors.

What does the Necessary & Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) do?

It allows Congress to stretch its enumerated powers to fulfill its functions.

What is established by Article IV of the Constitution?

The Full Faith & Credit Clause and Guarantee Clause regarding state laws and a republican form of government.

What is the process for amending the Constitution as outlined in Article V?

Requires a 2/3 vote in both House and Senate, plus ratification by 3/4 of state legislatures/conventions.

What does the Supremacy Clause in Article VI establish?

Federal law is supreme over state law when both are constitutional.

What significant ruling did McCulloch v. Maryland confirm regarding federal authority?

States cannot tax federal entities, reinforcing federal supremacy.

What are the three major issues resolved by McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

Validation of the Necessary & Proper Clause, affirmation of the Supremacy Clause, and declaration that sovereignty resides with the people.

What is the overall takeaway regarding the Constitution in relation to the Articles of Confederation?

The Constitution addressed the fundamental flaws of the Articles by creating a centralized yet balanced federal system.

What does the Constitution aim to promote through its structure?

Compromise, debate, and stability with a focus on slow, deliberate policy-making.

What does the Constitution provide in terms of governance?

A functional framework for governance and an ongoing national conversation about rights.