US Government and Constitution Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the structure of the US government, the Constitution, and historical documents that influenced American democracy.

What type of democracy is the United States?

A Representative Democracy where citizens elect government officials.

What is the Social Contract according to John Locke?

A government is only authorized with the consent of the people who agree to limit their actions.

What was the significance of the Magna Carta?

It limited the king’s power and established that certain rights cannot be denied by the government.

What was the cause of the Petition of Right?

King Charles I raised taxes without Parliament's permission and required subjects to house soldiers.

How did John Locke influence the Declaration of Independence?

His ideas of Life, Liberty, and Property influenced Jefferson’s phrase 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness'.

What was the effect of Shay's Rebellion?

It exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to the creation of a new government.

What were the strengths of the Articles of Confederation?

They granted more power to the states.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Lack of a strong centralized government and the inability to enforce tax collection.

What were the compromises regarding representation in the Constitution?

The House of Representatives based on population favored large states, while the Senate provided equal representation for small states.

What were the Virginia and New Jersey plans?

The Virginia Plan favored a strong central government, while the New Jersey Plan aimed to keep the Articles to protect smaller states.

What rights are included in the Bill of Rights?

Rights such as freedom of expression, right to own weapons, and protection from cruel punishments.

How do Federalists and Anti-Federalists differ?

Federalists favor a strong central government; Anti-Federalists advocate for more state rights.

What are the main powers of the Legislative Branch?

Making laws, levying taxes, declaring war, ratifying treaties, and investigating national problems.

What are the powers of the Executive Branch?

Pass or veto bills, direct the military, and enforce laws.

What are the Judicial Branch's powers?

Interpret laws and determine their constitutionality.

What are delegated powers?

Authorities granted by the constitution to a government body, like coining money and declaring war.

What was the purpose of the 3/5 Compromise?

To count slaves as ⅗ of a person for representation in Congress.

How is the Constitution amended?

By being passed by ⅔ of both Houses of Congress and ratified by ¾ of the states.