Review of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

These flashcards cover the key concepts and events related to the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the Constitution, detailing their significance in American history.

What did the Declaration of Independence boldly state about the American colonies?

The colonies were no longer part of the British Empire.

What theory of government did the Declaration of Independence announce?

A government based on natural law and the protection of individual rights.

What impact did the Declaration of Independence have on military alliances?

It allowed the colonists to open talks with France and Spain.

What major event occurred in January 1776 in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire became the first colony to organize as a state.

What was the main structure of the newly created state governments?

A legislature, a governor, courts, and a bill of rights.

What critical historical documents influenced the state constitutions?

The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights.

What was the Articles of Confederation?

The first constitution of the United States which created a confederation of states.

What were the limitations of the Articles of Confederation?

Congress could not pass laws without unanimous consent, couldn't enforce laws, lacked executive and judicial branches, and had no power to tax.

What was Shays' Rebellion?

An uprising led by farmers in Massachusetts protesting against heavy taxes.

What was the goal of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

To fix the Articles of Confederation.

What compromise was made regarding state representation in Congress?

The Great Compromise, which combined the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise state?

Every five enslaved people would be counted as three individuals for congressional representation.

What is the significance of the Electoral College?

It was established to elect the president, balancing between popular vote and state legislature input.

What were the Federalist Papers?

A series of essays defending the Constitution and its ratification.

What is the main purpose of the United States Constitution?

To provide a plan of government and serve as the supreme law of the land.

What are the seven articles of the Constitution?

They outline the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as the relationship between states and the federal government.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual freedoms.

What is required for an amendment to be ratified?

Approval from three-fourths of the states.

What concept did Montesquieu contribute to the Constitution?

Separation of powers to limit government authority.

What is federalism?

A system in which power is shared between the national government and the states.

What is popular sovereignty?

The principle that the authority of government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

What does the Supremacy Clause state?

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, overriding state laws.

What was the role of the Second Continental Congress?

It served as the de facto national government for the colonies during the Revolutionary War.

How did the Articles of Confederation describe the relationship between the states?

As a 'firm league of friendship' where states retained most of their sovereignty.

What did the authors of the Articles of Confederation primarily fear?

A strong central government that could infringe upon states' rights and individual liberties.

What were the Northwest Ordinances?

Laws passed under the Articles of Confederation that organized new territories and established a process for admitting new states.

What key features did the Virginia Plan propose at the Constitutional Convention?

A strong national government with three branches and proportional representation based on population.

What key features did the New Jersey Plan propose at the Constitutional Convention?

A weaker national government with a one-house legislature where each state had equal representation.

What did the Great Compromise (Connecticut Plan) establish?

A bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate.

What compromise was made at the Constitutional Convention regarding the slave trade?

Congress was prevented from banning the slave trade until 1808.

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government and advocated for a Bill of Rights.

What is the overall structure of the U.S. Constitution?

It consists of a Preamble, seven Articles, and twenty-seven Amendments.

What is the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?

It states the goals of the government, such as establishing justice, ensuring peace, and promoting general welfare.

What do the 27 Amendments to the Constitution represent?

Approved changes and additions that reflect the evolving needs and values of the nation, starting with the Bill of Rights.

Who were the Constitutional Framers?

The 55 delegates who drafted the U.S. Constitution at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

What does Article I of the Constitution outline?

It establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress) with its powers and structure.

What does Article II of the Constitution outline?

It establishes the Executive Branch (President) and defines its powers and responsibilities.

What does Article III of the Constitution outline?

It establishes the Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and lower courts) and defines its jurisdiction.

What does Article IV of the Constitution outline?

It defines the relationship between the states and the federal government, including aspects like full faith and credit.

What does Article V of the Constitution outline?

It describes the process for amending the Constitution.

What does Article VI of the Constitution outline?

It establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the land (Supremacy Clause), addresses national debts, and requires oaths of office.

What does Article VII of the Constitution outline?

It describes the process for the ratification of the Constitution.

Which branch of government primarily interprets the U.S. Constitution?

The Judicial Branch, particularly the Supreme Court, through judicial review.

What are implied powers?

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are considered necessary to carry out enumerated powers (e.g., through the elastic clause).

What is the concept of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

A system where each branch of government has some power over the others to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful.

What are enumerated powers?

Specific powers granted to the federal government, primarily Congress, explicitly listed in the Constitution (e.g., to coin money, declare war).

What are reserved powers?

Powers that are not delegated to the federal government nor denied to the states, thus being 'reserved' for the states or the people (10th Amendment).

What are concurrent powers?

Powers shared by both the federal government and state governments (e.g., to tax, build roads, establish courts).

What are the five basic principles that structure the U.S. government?

Popular Sovereignty, Limited Government, Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Federalism.

What is the principle of Limited Government and the Rule of Law?

The government's power is restricted by the Constitution, and everyone, including leaders, must obey the law.

What is the principle of Separation of Powers?

The division of governmental responsibilities into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent tyranny.

How did Baron de Montesquieu influence the U.S. Constitution?

His ideas on the separation of powers into distinct branches, each with different responsibilities, formed the basis for the U.S. governmental structure.