Constructing a Government, The Founding and the Constitution

What three colonial forces preceded the American Revolution?

Capitalism, representative government, and violence and racism.

How did capitalism begin in America?

America virtually began as a series of commercial ventures.

What institution was vital to early economic development in the United States?

Slavery, which encompassed racism and violence.

What events led to civil unrest between the colonies and Great Britain?

Increased taxes from the King, particularly from the Stamp Act and Sugar Act.

What was the Boston Tea Party a response to?

The Tea Act of 1773.

What did the First Continental Congress call for?

A total boycott of British goods and consideration of independence from British rule.

What did the Declaration of Independence aim to articulate?

A history and a set of principles for national unity.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

America's first written constitution, establishing a limited central government.

What event highlighted the insufficiency of the Articles of Confederation?

Shay's Rebellion.

What was the outcome regarding representation from The Great Compromise?

The House of Representatives based on state population, and the Senate with equal representatives for each state.

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise determine?

Only 3/5ths of slaves would be counted towards population.

What was an important goal of the Constitution's framers?

To create a government strong enough to promote commerce and protect property.

What does Article I of the Constitution establish?

The Legislative Branch, consisting of Congress, which has a House of Representatives and a Senate.

What is the necessary and proper clause?

It grants Congress the authority to make laws needed to exercise its powers.

What power does Article III of the Constitution grant the Supreme Court?

The power to resolve conflicts between federal and state laws.

What principle is established by Article IV regarding states?

States are prohibited from discriminating against citizens of other states.

What is required for a constitutional amendment according to Article V?

Two-thirds of Congress must propose and three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions must ratify.

What is separation of powers?

The division of power among several institutions that must cooperate in decision making.

What was the main concern of Federalists regarding government?

To prevent tyranny by a popular majority and support a strong national government.

What did Anti-Federalists prefer?

A decentralized federal government that limited the national government's power.

What three colonial forces preceded the American Revolution?

Capitalism, representative government, and violence and racism.

How did capitalism begin in America?

America virtually began as a series of commercial ventures.

What institution was vital to early economic development in the United States?

Slavery, which encompassed racism and violence.

What events led to civil unrest between the colonies and Great Britain?

Increased taxes from the King, particularly from the Stamp Act and Sugar Act.

What was the Boston Tea Party a response to?

The Tea Act of 1773.

What did the First Continental Congress call for?

A total boycott of British goods and consideration of independence from British rule.

What did the Declaration of Independence aim to articulate?

A history and a set of principles for national unity.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

America's first written constitution, establishing a limited central government.

What event highlighted the insufficiency of the Articles of Confederation?

Shay's Rebellion.

What was the outcome regarding representation from The Great Compromise?

The House of Representatives based on state population, and the Senate with equal representatives for each state.

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise determine?

Only 3/5ths of slaves would be counted towards population.

What was an important goal of the Constitution's framers?

To create a government strong enough to promote commerce and protect property.

What does Article I of the Constitution establish?

The Legislative Branch, consisting of Congress, which has a House of Representatives and a Senate.

What is the necessary and proper clause?

It grants Congress the authority to make laws needed to exercise its powers.

What power does Article III of the Constitution grant the Supreme Court?

The power to resolve conflicts between federal and state laws.

What principle is established by Article IV regarding states?

States are prohibited from discriminating against citizens of other states.

What is required for a constitutional amendment according to Article V?

Two-thirds of Congress must propose and three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions must ratify.

What is separation of powers?

The division of power among several institutions that must cooperate in decision making.

What was the main concern of Federalists regarding government?

To prevent tyranny by a popular majority and support a strong national government.

What did Anti-Federalists prefer?

A decentralized federal government that limited the national government's power.

What is the timeline of key events leading to the formation of the US government?

1765: Stamp Act; 1773: Boston Tea Party; 1775: Battles of Lexington and Concord; 1776: Declaration of Independence; 1781: Articles of Confederation ratified; 1787: Constitutional Convention.

What are the main topics covered in the first five articles of the Constitution?

Article I: Establishes the Legislative Branch; Article II: Establishes the Executive Branch; Article III: Establishes the Judicial Branch; Article IV: Discusses the relationship between the states and the federal government; Article V: Describes the process for amending the Constitution.

What were the key differences between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

Federalists advocated for a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution, while Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, preferring a smaller, decentralized government that preserved more state autonomy.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which delineate fundamental rights and freedoms for individuals and limit the power of the federal government.

What does Article II of the Constitution establish?

The Executive Branch, headed by the President, outlining their powers and duties, including serving as Commander-in-Chief and executing laws.

What is Federalism in the context of the U.S. government?

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments, each with its own powers and responsibilities.