Chapter 2: U.S Constitution and Its Origin

What was the Montesquieu’s key contribution (or contributions) to American Democracy and the Constitution?

his theory of the separation of powers, which influenced the framers to divide the U.S. government into three distinct branches

Expressed(Or Enumerated) powers

the specific powers granted to the federal government, particularly Congress, by the U.S. Constitution, most of which are listed in Article I, Section 8

Article of Confederation

the first constitution of the United States, serving as the nation's framework for government from 1781 to 1789

Bicameral Legislature/Bicameralism

two-chamber law-making body, typically with an "upper" and "lower" house, designed to provide checks and balances in the legislative process

Bill of Rights

the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantee essential individual rights and liberties like freedom of speech, religion, and the press

Natural Rights

life, liberty, and property

What could the government do under the Articles of Confederation?

Declare war
Make peace

Make treaties & alliances
Coin and/or borrow money\
Regulate trade with Native Americans

Appoint senior officials to the National Army… which doesn’t
exist

What couldn’t the government do under the Articles of Confederation?

Levy taxes
Regulate inter/intra-state commerce

How many stats need to vote “yes” to amen or pass legislation under the A of C?

Required approval of ALL 13 states

What Crisis Event exposed the weaknesses and inefficiencies of the Article of Confederation and ultimately led to the development of the Constitution?

Shay’s rebellion

New Jersey Plan

equal representation in the national

legislature (regardless of population)

Virgina Plan

system of representation in the national

legislature based on either (1) population or (2) state

contribution of revenue to national government…. Or, both

Connecticut Compromise (aka the great compromise)

Representation in the first chamber

of Congress determined by states population, and all states were

given equal representation in the second chamber

Three-Fifths Compromise:

Determined the

apportionment of slaves for representation in Congress,

where five slaves would count as three free persons.

 Slaves not allowed to vote

The 6 Big Ideas 

Limited Government, Popular sovereignty, Republicanism, Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers, Federalism

Limited Government 

The government's power is restricted by the Constitution and the laws of the land.

Popular Sovereignty 

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

Republicanism

A form of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Checks and Balnces 

A system in which each branch of government has the power to limit or "check" the powers of the other branches.

Separation of Powers 

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent any one branch from having too much power.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a national government and state governments.