unit 2 gov + bill of rights

What is the Supreme Law of the Land?

The United States Constitution.

Name 5 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Weak central government, no taxation power, no executive, no national court, hard to amend.

What was significant about Shays’ Rebellion?

It showed the Articles’ weak government could not effectively handle unrest.

How did the Virginia Plan organize the legislature?

A bicameral legislature with representation based on state population.

How did the New Jersey Plan organize the legislature?

A unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

What compromise settled the representation problem?

The Great Compromise, also called the Connecticut Compromise.

How many Articles does the Constitution have?

Seven Articles and a Preamble.

What is the purpose of Article I?

Establishes the legislative branch and Congress.

What is the purpose of Article II?

Establishes the executive branch and presidency.

What is the purpose of Article III?

Establishes the judicial branch and federal courts.

What is the purpose of Article IV?

Explains relationships among states and between states and the federal government.

What is the purpose of Article V?

Explains how the Constitution can be amended.

What is the purpose of Article VI?

Establishes federal law as supreme and requires officials to support the Constitution.

What is the purpose of Article VII?

Explains the process for ratifying the Constitution.

Why were checks, balances, and separation of powers created?

To prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.

Which Article is the longest and why?

Article I; it establishes Congress and describes many legislative powers and procedures.

What is popular sovereignty?

The people are the source of government power.

What is limited government?

Government power is restricted by the Constitution and laws.

What is federalism?

Power is divided between the national and state governments.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to determine whether laws or actions are constitutional.

What are checks and balances?

Each branch can limit the powers of the other branches.

What is separation of powers?

Government powers are divided among three branches.

What is an amendment?

A formal change or addition to the Constitution.

Why did the founders create an amendment process?

To allow the Constitution to change when necessary while remaining stable.

What is the most common way to propose an amendment?

Two-thirds of both houses of Congress propose it.

Which amendment proposal method has never been used?

A constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the state legislatures.

What are informal ways of amending the Constitution?

Legislation, executive actions, court decisions, customs, and political practices.

What is an executive agreement?

An agreement between the U.S. president and a foreign government without a treaty.

What does custom mean?

A usual practice or tradition that becomes accepted over time.

Who is considered the Father of the Constitution?

James Madison.

What is a Republican system of government?

A system where people elect representatives to govern for them.

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers and who wrote them?

They promoted ratification of the Constitution; written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Freedom to peacefully assemble

1st Amendment

Protection from excessive bail or fines

8th Amendment

The right to bear arms

2nd Amendment

Protection from having to quarter soldiers

3rd Amendment

Powers not delegated to the Federal Government may be exercised by the States

10th Amendment

Protection from having to testify against oneself

5th Amendment

The right to maintain a militia

2nd Amendment

Protection from loss of property without just compensation

5th Amendment

Protection against arbitrary searches and seizures without probable cause

4th Amendment

The right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury

6th Amendment

The right to a trial by jury in a civil case where the amount is $20 or more

7th Amendment

Freedom of religion, speech, and the press

1st Amendment

Other unwritten rights held by the people not spelled out in the Constitution

9th Amendment

The right to be informed of the charges, cross-examine witnesses, and present favorable witnesses

6th Amendment

Protection from prosecution without an indictment

5th Amendment

Freedom to petition the government

1st Amendment

Protection from cruel and unusual punishment

8th Amendment

The right to an attorney

6th Amendment

Protection from being tried for the same crime twice (double jeopardy)

5th Amendment

Protection from loss of life, liberty, or property without due process of law

5th Amendment