AP TEST 2

FUCK

Limited government

a government whose powers are restricted by laws or a constitution to protect citizens’ rights and prevent abuse of authority.

Declaration of Independence

Approved on July 4th, 1776; stated the United States was a seperate and independent nation from Britain, justified the revolution by explaining why it broke away and why it was justified, and intended to gain support from other nations (Mainly France and Spain).

Articles of confederation

the first written plan of government for the United States, creating a weak national government where most power was held by the states.

Articles of Confederation weaknesses

1. No power to tax

2. No national army or navy

3. No executive branch

4. No national court system

5. Couldn’t regulate trade 

6. Needed all 13 states to agree to changes

7. Weak central government

How many branches did the articles of confederation have

one (Legislative)

Each state had how many votes in congress

one

most of the power in the articles of confederation stayed with the..,

states

2nd constitutional convention purpose / the ideas (plans) were proposed there

to fix the articles of confederation

Virginia Plan

Strong national government, 3 branches, representation based on population (favored big states)

New Jersey Plan

Equal representation for all states (favored small states).

⅗ Compromise:

3 out of every 5 enslaved people counted for both representation and taxation.

Electoral College

System to elect the President — citizens vote for electors who then vote for the President.

Brutus 1

• Anti-Federalist paper.

• Argued the Constitution gave the national government too much power.

• Warned that states would lose authority and citizens’ rights could be threatened.

Federalist 10

• Written by James Madison.

• Said a large republic is the best way to control factions (groups with their own interests).

• Argued that many competing groups would prevent any one group from taking over.

Bill of Rights

• The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

• Protect individual rights (speech, religion, trial, etc.).

• Added to convince Anti-Federalists to ratify the Constitution by limiting government power

ratification of the constitution

• Needed 9 of 13 states to approve (1787–1788).

• Federalists supported ratification.

• Anti-Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights before agreeing.
  ➡ Constitution ratified in 1788; Bill of Rights added in 1791.

ratification

when the states officially approved the U.S. Constitution, making it the new law of the land in 1788.

Separation of Powers

Division of government power into three branches:

• Legislative (makes laws)

• Executive (enforces laws)

• Judicial (interprets laws)

Checks and Balances

• Each branch can limit the powers of the others.

  • President can veto laws.

  • Congress can override vetoes and impeach.

  • Courts can declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalist 51

• Written by James Madison.

• Explained the need for checks and balances and separation of powers.

• Quote: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
  ➡ Purpose: To make sure power is divided and controlled.