U.S. Constitution: Foundations, Compromises, and Amendments

What document served as the first attempt at American government?

The Articles of Confederation

What was a major flaw of the Articles of Confederation?

It created a very limited government without a president or judicial branch.

What event exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Shays's Rebellion

What principle of government did the framers reject in favor of a republican democracy?

Monarchy

What is republicanism as understood by the framers?

A government in which elected leaders represent the views of the people.

What is the concept of popular sovereignty?

The idea that a government gains its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

What are the 'unalienable rights' defined in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

What did Madison believe was the great difficulty in framing a government?

Enabling the government to control the governed while obliging it to control itself.

What were the two major factions at the Constitutional Convention?

Federalists and Antifederalists.

What did Federalists support?

A strong national government and relatively weak state governments.

What was the Great Compromise?

An agreement that created a two-chamber Congress with representation based on state population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

What was the main concern regarding executive power during the Constitutional Convention?

The fear of creating a monarch-like figure with too much power.

How did the framers limit presidential power?

By creating a system of checks and balances and giving the president relatively few enumerated powers.

What unique system was established for selecting the president?

An electoral college based on the number of representatives and senators from each state.

What powers were reserved for the states in the Constitution?

Reserved powers, to address concerns of the Antifederalists.

What is pluralism in the context of democracy?

A political theory that argues that multiple groups should have access to the political system to prevent any one group from gaining total control.

What was the Virginia Plan's proposal regarding representation?

Representation based on state population.

What was the New Jersey Plan's proposal regarding representation?

Equal representation for each state, regardless of population.

What was the framers' view of human nature?

They believed it was driven by self-interest.

What was the central purpose of government according to the framers?

To uphold the natural rights of the people.

What did the framers believe about equality in the Constitution?

It was not given much attention, particularly regarding the issue of slavery.

What was the main concern of the Antifederalists?

That a strong national government would threaten individual rights.

What did the framers agree was necessary for the government?

An executive branch to enforce laws.

What was the compromise regarding legislative power?

The creation of a bicameral legislature to balance power between large and small states.

What powers are reserved for the states under the Constitution?

Constitutional powers not given to the national government or prohibited to the states.

What does the national supremacy clause state?

National law trumps state law in cases of conflict.

What compromise was reached regarding the counting of slaves for representation and taxation?

The Three-fifths Compromise, allowing each slave to count as three-fifths of a person.

What were the main concerns of the Antifederalists regarding the new Constitution?

They worried about a powerful central executive, financial burdens on states, and constraints on civil liberties.

How did the Federalists address Antifederalist concerns?

By publishing The Federalist Papers and agreeing to add the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.

What is the significance of separated powers and checks and balances in the Constitution?

They prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

What are exclusive powers in the context of the Constitution?

Powers explicitly granted to Congress, the president, or the Supreme Court.

What unique power does Congress hold regarding financial matters?

Congress has the power to raise taxes and control the budget.

What is the necessary and proper clause?

It gives Congress the power to pass laws related to its exclusive powers.

What authority does the president have regarding military operations?

The president can send troops into operations without Congress's immediate approval.

What is the process for impeachment of a president?

Impeachment takes place in Congress.

What checking power does the president have over legislation?

The president can veto legislation passed by Congress.

What is judicial review and who established it?

Judicial review allows the Supreme Court to strike down laws deemed unconstitutional, established by Chief Justice John Marshall in 1803.

How does the Constitution remain relevant over time?

Through ambiguity in its clauses and the ability to amend it.

What are the two steps for proposing a constitutional amendment?

An amendment can be proposed by a two-thirds majority in Congress or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures.

What is an example of a significant amendment that changed civil rights?

The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery.

What are implied powers in the context of the Constitution?

Powers that are not explicitly stated but are inferred from the Constitution.

What role does the commerce clause play in Congress's power?

It gives Congress the right to regulate commerce, which is the basis for much of its current power.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that outline individual rights and liberties.

What was the purpose of The Federalist Papers?

To sway public opinion in favor of a stronger national government.

What was the outcome of the dispute between slave states and nonslave states regarding representation?

The Three-fifths Compromise allowed slaves to be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation.

What checks does Congress have over the executive branch?

Congress can impeach the president and must approve presidential appointments.

How can a presidential veto be overridden?

By a supermajority vote in Congress.

What is the significance of lifetime appointments for Supreme Court justices?

It ensures their independence from the other branches of government.

What are the implications of the ambiguity in the Constitution's clauses?

It allows for varied interpretations and adaptations over time.