AP Gov. Semester 1 Exam - Chapter 2: Terms, Reading Guides, Section Reviews, and AofC Quiz

What were the TWO big issues that emerged at the Constitutional Convention?

(1) representation of states and (2) powers of the national government

What were the THREE ways the Constitution dealt with slavery?

(1) the word slavery never actually appears in the Constitution, (2) the Three-Fifths Compromise, and (3) the Compromise on Importation

List THREE protections against crimes found in Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution.

(1) writ of habeas corpus, (2) prohibition of the bills of attainder, and (3) prohibition of ex post facto laws

Who attended the Constitutional Convention?

55 delegates from 12 states

Why did the founding fathers create a "limited govt" in the Constitutional Convention?

A limited govt. would protect individual freedoms by distributing power between the national government and the states and between the national government's institutions (branches).

Which statement BEST defines the Riot Act? A. A law that absolved sheriffs or other officials from prosecution from killing rebels or rioters. B. A law that allowed members of Shays's Rebellion to riot in the streets during specified hours. C. A law that allowed anyone to rebel against the government without legal repercussions. D. A law that forbid the courts from processing foreclosures as a result of riots.

A. A law that absolved sheriffs or other officials from prosecution from killing rebels or rioters.

Which statement BEST summarizes the powers given to the legislature under the Great Compromise? A. Additional powers over commerce, lawmaking, and taxation. B. Fewer powers than those afforded by the Articles of Confederation. C. Additional powers over lawmaking, including over state laws. D. Similar powers to those under the Articles of Confederation, but with taxation power.

A. Additional powers over commerce, lawmaking, and taxation.

According to Article VIII, what factor determined how much a state was supposed to contribute to the common treasury? A. Each state was to contribute equally. B. The proportion of wealthy elites within each state. C. The population of each state. D. The size and value of land within each state.

A. Each state was to contribute equally.

Which statement BEST describes James Madison's attitude towards the Annapolis Convention? A. Hopeful for a major change in the structure of the government. B. Fearful of a major change in the structure of the government. C. Optimistic for change and participation among states. D. Reluctant for change to the Articles of Confederation.

A. Hopeful for a major change in the structure of the government.

Which scenario BEST shows an ex post facto law in effect? A. One month ago, Abigail performed an action that was not a crime then, but is now being punished for that action since it is now illegal. B. Carlos has been detained by the government for three months without knowing what he is being charged for and wants to find out. C. Martha was detained and the legislature immediately declared her guilty of multiple crimes without a trial. D. One year ago, Timothy committed a crime and is now being detained by law enforcement and has a date for a trial in the coming months.

A. One month ago, Abigail performed an action that was not a crime then, but is now being punished for that action since it is now illegal.

The Federalist Papers are: A. a collection of eighty-five essays that outline the theory behind the Constitution. B. a series of newspaper articles that argue in favor of the Articles of Confederation. C. a group of pamphlets that argue in favor of restrictions on slavery. D. a series of essays written to inform people of the Constitutional Convention.

A. a collection of eighty-five essays that outline the theory behind the Constitution.

What key concept was crucial to defending against the dangers of tyranny, according to James Madison? A. a democratic government with separation of powers B. a republican government with a bicameral legislature C. a federal system with separation of powers D. a system of articles with equal state representation

A. a democratic government with separation of powers

Who would have been MOST likely to attend the Constitutional Convention? A. a wealthy, well-educated, white man B. a well-educated white woman C. a slave with no education D. a poor, white farmer with no education

A. a wealthy, well-educated, white man

Those in favor of a bill of rights argued that it would be necessary so as to: A. check the tendency of the government to infringe on the rights of individuals over time. B. safeguard against any legislation that might infringe on the rights of the individual. C. prevent a tyrannical government from forming and taking away rights. D. be updated and changed in the future as the priorities of the nation change.

A. check the tendency of the government to infringe on the rights of individuals over time.

A separation of powers within a government is best defined as: A. distributing powers across different institutions so that no one branch can become too powerful on its own. B. distributing powers across different branches so that the president is not overwhelmed with decision making. C. distributing powers from the national government to state governments so that the national government cannot become too powerful. D. distributing powers across different institutions so that they can work together to make laws that are in the best interest of the national government.

A. distributing powers across different institutions so that no one branch can become too powerful on its own.

What was the root cause of Shays's Rebellion? A. increased foreclosures to pay state debts B. a tyrannical national government C. unequal representation of states D. unsuccessful crop yields

A. increased foreclosures to pay state debts

According to James Madison, a faction is: A. A group of people with the same political views who campaign for a president that shares similar values. B. A group of people with similar interests who use the government to achieve a goal, infringing on the rights of others in the process. C. A group of people who protest the government to get certain legislation passed that is in their best interests. D. A group of people who organize to overthrow the current government and establish their own government.

B. A group of people with similar interests who use the government to achieve a goal, infringing on the rights of others in the process.

The group opposed to the new Constitution and believed in strong state governments were known as: A. Federalists. B. Antifederalists. C. Nationalists. D. Constitutionalists.

B. Antifederalists.

Despite the rebels being defeated, Shays's Rebellion was successful in: A. Stopping the foreclosure process. B. Drawing George Washington out of retirement. C. Boosting attendance at the Annapolis Convention. D. Establishing new interstate trade laws.

B. Drawing George Washington out of retirement.

Which is an issue that divided the Federalists and the Antifederalists? A. How much power the president would have in the new government. B. How states would be represented in the new government. C. How a republic would be successful in such a large nation. D. How slavery would be handled in a new government.

B. How states would be represented in the new government.

How is the Electoral College an example of the founders' mistrust of pure democracy? A. It keeps the wealthy and educated elites in control of the national government. B. It allows for the will of the people to be checked in the election of representatives. C. It prevents the president from being directly elected by American citizens. D. It establishes a way for people to influence elections and have their voices heard.

B. It allows for the will of the people to be checked in the election of representatives.

According to Madison, how does bicameralism further prevent the possibility of tyranny in a republic? A. Each chamber has different authorities and methods of being elected. B. Not all the legislative power is concentrated in one chamber. C. States are represented equally in both houses so one state cannot trample another. D. The terms of congressmen are limited so power must be given up every two years.

B. Not all the legislative power is concentrated in one chamber.

Assume a committee in Congress wishes to propose a new amendment, what is required for the committee to do so? A. Passing the new amendment by a two-thirds vote in the Senate or passing the new amendment in a national convention called by all fifty states. B. Passing the new amendment by a two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress or passing the new amendment in a national convention called by two-thirds of the states. C. Passing the new amendment by a majority vote in both chambers of Congress or passing the new amendment in a national convention called by all fifty states. D. Passing the new amendment by a majority vote in both chambers of Congress or passing the new amendment in a national convention called by half of the states.

B. Passing the new amendment by a two-thirds vote in both chambers of Congress or passing the new amendment in a national convention called by two-thirds of the states.

Which statement describes a criticism of the Constitution with regards to the motives of the founding fathers? A. The Constitution was a way of keeping slavery legal and without restrictions. B. The Constitution allowed the founding fathers to increase personal wealth. C. The Constitution was designed to give wealthy elites more power in the national government. D. The Constitution gave more power to the states with wealthy plantation owners and slaves.

B. The Constitution allowed the founding fathers to increase personal wealth.

Why did James Madison study the histories of different forms of government? A. To find out why dynasties lasted so long. B. To understand how to create a republic that would last. C. He wanted to know how to overthrow a monarchy. D. To understand how an empire is created.

B. To understand how to create a republic that would last.

A republic can be defined as: A. a government ruled by a king or queen. B. a government ruled by representatives of the people. C. a government ruled by a religious figurehead. D. a government ruled by one leader.

B. a government ruled by representatives of the people.

In a tyranny of the minority: A. a small number of citizens takes over the government to pursue their interests. B. a small number of citizens tramples on the rights of the larger population. C. a small number of citizens influence an entire state's government. D. a small number of citizens coordinate an attack on the rest of the population.

B. a small number of citizens tramples on the rights of the larger population.

The Antifederalist argument regarding the power of the national government was that: A. the strength of the national government would give states too much responsibility. B. a stronger national government might infringe on the rights of the states. C. the stronger national government would not accurately represent American citizens. D. the national government would be too large to effectively conduct foreign policy.

B. a stronger national government might infringe on the rights of the states.

Who would MOST likely be a supporter of the proposed Constitution? A. a rural citizen B. a wealthy merchant C. an educated shopkeeper D. Samuel Adams

B. a wealthy merchant

How did the founding fathers treat the topic of slavery during the Constitutional Convention? A. as a practice that would help overseas trade B. as a question of representation in states C. as a practice to be outlawed under the new government D. as a moral issue, most found it deeply immoral

B. as a question of representation in states

The Great Compromise established a two-chamber legislature, making it: A. unicameral. B. bicameral. C. the Senate. D. the House of Representatives.

B. bicameral.

According to the Great Compromise, how were states to be represented? A. equally in the House of Representatives, proportionately in the Senate B. equally in the Senate, proportionately in the House of Representatives C. equally in both the House of Representatives and the Senate D. proportionately in both the House of Representatives and the Senate

B. equally in the Senate, proportionately in the House of Representatives

According to Brutus No. 1, the tendency of men to increase their power and authority is rooted in: A. economic well-being. B. human nature. C. social upbringing. D. environmental influences.

B. human nature.

It is 1786 and William, who lives in Rhode Island, is hearing talk of replacing the Articles of Confederation. Which is a fear William is MOST likely to have? A. slavery being outlawed B. loss of equal representation in Congress C. a national government that is too weak D. fear of high taxation

B. loss of equal representation in Congress

Which delegate would MOST likely be familiar with the concept of separation of powers? A. one who has studied past forms of government B. one who has studied the written works of Baron de Montesquieu C. one who has studied essays from John Adams D. one who has contemplated on the failures of the Articles of Confederation

B. one who has studied the written works of Baron de Montesquieu

If the legislature declares a person guilty of a crime without a trial, they are: A. suspending the writ of habeas corpus. B. passing a bill of attainder. C. establishing an ex post facto law. D. violating Article VI.

B. passing a bill of attainder.

Which agreement states that the slave trade cannot be restricted until 1808 at the earliest? A. the Three-Fifths Compromise B. the Compromise on Importation C. the Virginia Plan D. the New Jersey Plan

B. the Compromise on Importation

A unicameral legislature where each state receives one vote and the legislature is afforded new powers are characteristics of: A. the Constitution. B. the New Jersey Plan. C. the Virginia Plan. D. the Constitutional Convention.

B. the New Jersey Plan.

2.3 FRQ: C. Explain how the division of powers between Congress and the president influences the situation described below. In 2017, President Trump and Republicans in Congress tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Among other things, this law requires Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a fine. Although President Trump is a member of the Republican Party, and Republicans controlled both houses, they were unable to repeal the Affordable Care Act. After reading the above passage, use your knowledge of U.S. Government and Politics to respond to part C.

Because the president has the ability to veto bills approved by Congress, and because Congress has the ability to check the president's power through the ability to override those vetos with a 2/3rds vote in both houses, the president was unable to repeal the Affordable Care Act as cooperation between both branches of government was needed.

Which statement best describes the supremacy clause? A. A clause that establishes decisions made at state-level courts to be considered as the supreme law of the land. B. A clause that states the decisions made by the president regarding cases is the supreme law of the land. C. A clause that declares the Constitution, and any national laws and treaties, as the supreme law of the land. D. A clause that allows for the Supreme Court to take over any state-level case at any time during the life of the case.

C. A clause that declares the Constitution, and any national laws and treaties, as the supreme law of the land.

Which statement BEST defines a system of checks and balances? A. A government in which each branch assists the other branches to passing laws. B. A government in which each branch has completely separate powers from one another. C. A government in which each branch has the ability to prevent the other branches from making policy. D. A government in which each branch functions as a separate, smaller government within itself.

C. A government in which each branch has the ability to prevent the other branches from making policy.

Which statement BEST describes the Constitutional Convention? A. A meeting held to establish a completely new form of government. B. A meeting held to discuss trade and navigation issues. C. A meeting held to fix the Articles of Confederation. D. A meeting held to decide who the president should be.

C. A meeting held to fix the Articles of Confederation.

Why was the national government left intentionally weak under the Articles of Confederation? A. Americans could not find a suitable president immediately after the Revolutionary War. B. Americans did not want to feel misrepresented by a large national government. C. Americans feared a government that would become tyrannical as Great Britain had. D. Americans did not want a government to tax them unjustly.

C. Americans feared a government that would become tyrannical as Great Britain had.

Which statement BEST describes Federalist No. 51? A. An essay in which John Jay argued that a Bill of Rights in the Constitution would prevent the government from trampling on the rights of people. B. An essay in which Alexander Hamilton argued that the economy under the Constitution would thrive with a stronger national government. C. An essay in which James Madison argued that tyranny will be prevented through separation of powers and federalism. D. An essay in which George Washington argued that anarchy would be the only option if the Constitution was not adopted.

C. An essay in which James Madison argued that tyranny will be prevented through separation of powers and federalism.

How does a republican form of government lessen the dangers of large factions? A. By allowing people to vote directly for laws that are in their own interests. B. By giving more power to the national government than state governments. C. By establishing separate branches of government with checks and balances. D. By making it difficult for unqualified candidates to be voted into positions of power.

C. By establishing separate branches of government with checks and balances.

Article VIII of the Articles of Confederation calls for all costs of defense to be taken from a common treasury, why was this an issue? A. States spent money on their own state defense and did not have funds available for national defense. B. The costs of defense were often more than what the treasury had available. C. Congress did not have the power to tax and states generally refused to send money when it was requested. D. States would argue over who would receive more protection based on contribution to the treasury.

C. Congress did not have the power to tax and states generally refused to send money when it was requested.

Jane is reading a Federalist Paper that describes the problem of factions and how the dangers of such groups can be mitigated with a large republic and a republican government. Which of the Federalist Papers is Jane reading? A. Federalist No. 51 B. Federalist No. 12 C. Federalist No. 10 D. Federalist No. 63

C. Federalist No. 10

Which statement BEST describes how the rebels were treated following Shays's Rebellion? A. Many were ridiculed and could not return to their normal lives. B. Many were executed for their participation in the rebellion. C. Many returned to their homes and towns and lived normal lives. D. Many were forced to live life in hiding.

C. Many returned to their homes and towns and lived normal lives.

How were the members of Shays's Rebellion able to genuinely challenge the Massachusetts government? A. Through violent ambush tactics. B. Rebels had monetary incentive to fight. C. Many were veterans of the Revolutionary War. D. There was no opposition fight against Shays's Rebellion.

C. Many were veterans of the Revolutionary War.

Why did the founding fathers generally mistrust pure democracy? A. Pure democracy did not work under the Articles of Confederation. B. They did not want to give every person an equal voice in the new government. C. State legislatures based on pure democracy had trampled on the rights of the minority. D. They wanted to prevent uneducated people from having a direct say in important matters.

C. State legislatures based on pure democracy had trampled on the rights of the minority.

One important outcome of the Annapolis Convention was: A. Resolution of trade and navigation disputes among the conflicting states. B. The drafting of a new form of government. C. The call for another convention in Philadelphia the following year. D. The adoption of a new amendment giving power over trade relations to the national government.

C. The call for another convention in Philadelphia the following year.

Which statement BEST describes the feelings of those delegates who opposed slavery? A. They saw it as a necessary evil to the economic success of the country. B. They believed slavery was an immoral institution but did not say anything during the convention. C. They thought it was hypocritical to allow slavery while drafting a government based on liberty. D. They believed slaves should be acknowledged in the document with certain, limited rights.

C. They thought it was hypocritical to allow slavery while drafting a government based on liberty.

A bill of rights is: A. a list of rights that the government has over the people. B. a list of rights individuals have that are given to them by the government. C. a list of rights individuals have that cannot be taken away by the government. D. a list of rights that states maintain under the new form of government.

C. a list of rights individuals have that cannot be taken away by the government.

According to an essay James Madison wrote regarding slavery, how should slaves be considered? A. as property B. as people C. as both people and property D. as animals

C. as both people and property

A Federalist is: A. someone who believes states should retain sovereignty. B. someone who supports the Articles of Confederation. C. someone who supports the Constitution. D. someone who thinks national government should be weak.

C. someone who supports the Constitution.

Congress is granted the powers necessary to carrying out its enumerated abilities through: A. the commerce clause. B. the implied powers clause. C. the necessary and proper clause. D. the expressed or enumerated powers clause.

C. the necessary and proper clause.

The approval of how many states was required to amend the Articles of Confederation? A. nine B. seven C. thirteen D. ten

C. thirteen

Identify/Describe: Compromise on Importation

Congress could not restrict the slave trade until 1808

Which statement BEST reflects the argument made in Brutus No. 1 regarding the power of state governments? A. As state governments and the national government conflict over authority, there will eventually be another war between state militias and the national army. B. The Constitution does not provide any protections for the states and therefore leaves them vulnerable to the national government. C. States will retain power throughout the republic, but it will not be enough power to keep the national government from being too strong. D. Any power retained by the states will be seen as a clog and additional power will be removed from the states and the federal government will grow stronger.

D. Any power retained by the states will be seen as a clog and additional power will be removed from the states and the federal government will grow stronger.

Which statement BEST describes the economic state of America following the Revolutionary War? A. Difficult, but on track to rebound with sound policy in place. B. Thriving, with a surplus of hard money. C. Thriving, as a result of successful interstate trade. D. Difficult, lacking hard money with increased debt.

D. Difficult, lacking hard money with increased debt.

Assume Spain has territory in North America and hopes to acquire more. What outcome would Spain hope for from the Philadelphia Convention? A. Success, so trade between territories would go smooth. B. Success, so purchase deals could be made. C. Failure, so the United States would not be successful and want to expand themselves. D. Failure, so Spain could launch a war on the weak United States and overtake all territory.

D. Failure, so Spain could launch a war on the weak United States and overtake all territory.

Heather is a political scientist who has thoroughly studied the Federalist Papers, and believes that the most important Federalist is one in which separation of powers and tyranny are discussed. Which Federalist is Heather talking about? A. Federalist No. 1 B. Federalist No. 10 C. Federalist No. 45 D. Federalist No. 51

D. Federalist No. 51

Why did James Madison decide to campaign with the promise of adding a bill of rights during the later part of the ratification campaign? A. The Constitution had already been ratified by nine states, so he could risk promising adding a bill of rights. B. The possibility of New York and Virginia not ratifying and the country splitting was too real and adding a bill of rights was a sure way of preventing that. C. Many of the states would not ratify unless Madison promised to add a bill of rights once the Constitution was law. D. He was afraid that the Constitution would not be ratified with a bill of rights, so he proposed one only after most of the states had ratified.

D. He was afraid that the Constitution would not be ratified with a bill of rights, so he proposed one only after most of the states had ratified.

Which statement BEST explains a method for ratifying a proposed amendment to the Constitution? A. Ratification by a two-thirds vote in three-fourths of state ratifying conventions. B. Ratification by a two-thirds vote in three-fourths of state legislatures. C. Ratification by a majority vote in two-thirds of state ratifying conventions. D. Ratification by a majority vote in three-fourths of state legislatures.

D. Ratification by a majority vote in three-fourths of state legislatures.

Which statement BEST defines the writ of habeas corpus? A. The right of someone being detained to have a lawyer present during all questioning. B. The right of someone imprisoned to have a jury of their peers in court. C. The right of someone being arrested to know the date of their court appearance. D. The right of someone being detained by the government to know the charges against them.

D. The right of someone being detained by the government to know the charges against them.

A document that outlines principles for governance and establishes institutions of government is called: A. a league of friendship. B. The Articles of Confederation. C. a republic. D. a constitution.

D. a constitution.

Brutus No. 1 can be described as: A. an Antifederalist Paper that advocated for the Articles of Confederation and outlined the strengths of the Articles. B. an Antifederalist Paper that urged readers to vote against the Constitution in the upcoming ratifying elections. C. an Antifederalist Paper that argued slavery was immoral and should be made illegal in a government that emphasizes liberty and human rights. D. an Antifederalist Paper that argued America was too large to be governed as a republic and the Constitution gave too much power to the national government.

D. an Antifederalist Paper that argued America was too large to be governed as a republic and the Constitution gave too much power to the national government.

The Three-Fifths Compromise is BEST described as: A. an agreement that allows only three-fifths of the votes cast by slaves to be considered in an election. B. an agreement that gives states where slaves are more than three-fifths of the population an extra seat in the Senate. C. an agreement that states that only three-fifths of the slaves in each state can vote in an election. D. an agreement that states that slaves count as three-fifths of a person for representative purposes.

D. an agreement that states that slaves count as three-fifths of a person for representative purposes.

How long did the compromises on slavery last? A. twenty years B. fifteen years C. thirty years D. eighty years

D. eighty years

A system that shares power between the national government and the state government is a characteristic of: A. the Articles of Confederation B. the Constitution C. a republic D. federalism

D. federalism

The legislative branch is responsible for: A. hearing cases and judging on the Constitutionality of laws. B. negotiating treaties with foreign countries. C. commanding the army and navy. D. making and passing laws.

D. making and passing laws.

Which power is an enumerated power of the executive branch? A. declaring war B. ratifying treaties C. writing laws D. nominating judges to federal courts

D. nominating judges to federal courts

Gianna has served in her state government for four years and wants to move up to a national government role, but still represent the people of her state and advocate for their interests. Which action is Gianna MOST likely to take? A. run for re-election to gain more experience B. run for an open seat in the House of Representatives C. run for local government in her hometown D. run for an open seat in the Senate

D. run for an open seat in the Senate

Daniel is in charge of reporting to the delegates how many states plan on ratifying the Constitution and so far can report that six states intend on ratifying. How many more states are needed to ratify the Constitution? A. seven B. six C. four D. three

D. three (because he is trying to ratify the Constitution, not an amendment, meaning he is living in the U.S. at a time when it was still under the AofC --> under the AofC, a supermajority, or 9/13 states, was required in order to pass laws, and 6 + 3 = 9)

What was one freedom protected in Article VI of the Constitution?

Freedom of religion in serving a public office (separation of church and state)

Who served as the president of the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington

2.1 FRQ: A. In the context of the passage, describe George Washington's main concern regarding the AofC. In a letter to James Madison in November of 1786, George Washington wrote, "What stronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our government than these disorders? If there exists not a power to check them, what security has a man of life, liberty, or property? To you, I am sure I need not add aught on this subject, the consequences of a lax, or inefficient government, are too obvious to be dwelt on. Thirteen sovereignties pulling against each other, and all tugging at the federal head guarded & closely watched, to prevent incroachments, might restore us to that degree of respectability & consequence to which we had fair claim, & the brightest prospect of attainting."

George Washington's main concern was the extensive sovereignty of the states who never had their powers checked by the national government. This sovereignty allowed states many freedoms, but those freedoms, (for example, the fact that they are not taxed), lead to people's rights being encroached on, as seen in Shays' Rebellion.

Why was the Constitutional Convention held in secrecy?

It would be harder to create a new government as the citizens might riot against their proposed ideas involving stronger central government. Also, the convention itself is technically treason.

(from AofC quiz) ____________________ is the representative of the Second Continental Congress that wrote the final draft of the AofC.

John Dickinson

Shays's Rebellion was a grassroots uprising against the ____________________________ state government.

Massachusetts

When was the Constitutional Convention held? (specific months w/ year)

May-September 1787

Where was the Constitutional Convention held?

Philadelphia

Who didn't attend the Constitutional Convention and why?

Rhode Island because they were strongly opposed to a stronger central govt.

2.2 FRQ: A. Describe one similarity between northern and southern states shown by the data in the figure. Use the information in the graphs (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZLBaZzPhfCNNjKnPuObWYO5bLpy_16t5/view?usp=sharing) and your knowledge of U.S. government to answer part A.

Slaveholding is a similarity between the northern and southern states as the bottom graph shows the total slave population for the northern states and the total for the southern states, indicating that they both held slaves.

2.2 FRQ: B. Describe one difference between northern and southern states shown by the data in the figure. Use the information in the graphs (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZLBaZzPhfCNNjKnPuObWYO5bLpy_16t5/view?usp=sharing) and your knowledge of U.S. government to answer part B.

Southern states had a dramatically greater percentage/number of slaves than did northern states. This is seen in the bottom graph, which shows that almost 35% of the southern states' population were slaves, where as only about 3% of the northern states' population were slaves.

What historical event in the U.S. finally settled the debate over slavery and the Three-Fifths Compromise? Which amendments during Reconstruction?

The Civil War settled the debate over slavery and the Three-Fifths Compromise. These were the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments during Reconstruction.

2.3 FRQ: A. Describe an expressed constitutional power Congress could use to address the situation described below. In 2017, President Trump and Republicans in Congress tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Among other things, this law requires Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a fine. Although President Trump is a member of the Republican Party, and Republicans controlled both houses, they were unable to repeal the Affordable Care Act. After reading the above passage, use your knowledge of U.S. Government and Politics to respond to part A.

The Commerce Clause, which states that Congress has the expressed power to regulate the trade and selling of goods, might empower Congress to repeal the Affordable Care Act because the Affordable Care Act requires Americans to purchase health insurance, a type of purchased good which Congress has the power to regulate the selling of.

2.2 FRQ: C. Explain how the data in the figure relate to the Great Compromise Use the information in the graphs (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZLBaZzPhfCNNjKnPuObWYO5bLpy_16t5/view?usp=sharing) and your knowledge of U.S. government to answer part C.

The Great Compromise provided for a bicameral legislature with different representation in each chamber. Because seats in the House of Representatives are awarded based on population, Southern states would benefit from a large slave population (even if a slave was counted as only 3/5 of a free person) while Northern states would still have the protection of receiving equal voting power in the Senate.

2.1 FRQ: C. Explain one reason why the drafters of the AofC were worried about creating too much power in a central government. In a letter to James Madison in November of 1786, George Washington wrote, "What stronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our government than these disorders? If there exists not a power to check them, what security has a man of life, liberty, or property? To you, I am sure I need not add aught on this subject, the consequences of a lax, or inefficient government, are too obvious to be dwelt on. Thirteen sovereignties pulling against each other, and all tugging at the federal head guarded & closely watched, to prevent incroachments, might restore us to that degree of respectability & consequence to which we had fair claim, & the brightest prospect of attainting."]

The drafters of the AofC were worried about creating too much power in a central government because, at this time, Americans wanted to be free from any sort of tyrannical or central government with lots of power. This was because they wanted to avoid having another version of Parliament within the U.S.

What "class" of people attended the Constitutional Convention?

The elite (white male slave-owners)

Why did the founding fathers debate slavery not as a moral issue and more of a states' representation?

The founders compromised their morals and power (as they needed the slaveholding states to ratify the Constitution) in the name of "economics".

2.3 FRQ: B. Describe an expressed constitutional power of the president (must relate to the given scenario). In 2017, President Trump and Republicans in Congress tried to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Among other things, this law requires Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a fine. Although President Trump is a member of the Republican Party, and Republicans controlled both houses, they were unable to repeal the Affordable Care Act. After reading the above passage, use your knowledge of U.S. Government and Politics to respond to part B.

The president has the expressed constitutional power to sign or veto bills approved by Congress. This relates to the scenario because Trump was able to attempt to repeal the act because he has the power to veto bills, including past approved bills by Congress.

Why were there so few individual rights protected in the Constitution?

Under the British, Americans had a bunch of rights that often conflicted with one another, and the British didn't focus on other rights (like natural rights) that weren't provided by Parliament.

2.1 FRQ: B. Describe one way in which the AofC distributed power between the states and the national government. In a letter to James Madison in November of 1786, George Washington wrote, "What stronger evidence can be given of the want of energy in our government than these disorders? If there exists not a power to check them, what security has a man of life, liberty, or property? To you, I am sure I need not add aught on this subject, the consequences of a lax, or inefficient government, are too obvious to be dwelt on. Thirteen sovereignties pulling against each other, and all tugging at the federal head guarded & closely watched, to prevent incroachments, might restore us to that degree of respectability & consequence to which we had fair claim, & the brightest prospect of attainting."

Under the articles, the states retained their sovereignty and the national government did not have the right to force states against their will to do anything. Because of this, states had many freedoms, such as the fact that they did not have to pay taxes and instead, the government can only request them to do so but can never force them to.

Identify/Describe: Grand Committee

a committee at the Constitutional Convention that worked out the compromise on representation

Identify/Describe: checks and balances

a design of government in which each branch has powers that can prevent the other branches from making policy; cause: fear of too much concentration of unchecked power in a single executive

Identify/Describe: separation of powers

a design of government that distributes power across institutions in order to avoid making one branch too powerful on its own; "separated institutions sharing power"

Identify/Describe: constitution

a document that sets out the fundamental principles of governance and establishes the institutions of government

Identify/Describe: Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union

a governing document that created a union of 13 sovereign states in which the states, not the national government, were supreme; effects: created a loose "league of friendship" among the states, national govt. lacked power to tax, lack of independent executive or judiciary, states controlled trade (imports), and national govt. was left intentionally weak to avoid tyranny

Identify/Describe: republic

a government ruled by representatives of the people; Madison's goal - create a republic that lasted

faction

a group of self-interested people who use the govt. to get what they want, trampling the rights of others in the process

Identify/Describe: Constitutional Convention

a meeting attended by state delegates in 1787 to fix the AofC

Identify/Describe: unicameral

a one-house legislature; created by AofC

Identify/Describe: Virginia Plan

a plan of govt. calling for a three-branch govt. with a bicameral legislature, where more populous states would have more representation in Congress; effect - New Jersey Plan

Identify/Describe: New Jersey Plan

a plan of govt. that provided for a unicameral legislature with equal votes for each state

Identify/Describe: Shays's Rebellion

a popular uprising against the government of Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays; illustrated the weakness of the Articles and led many skeptics to agree to replace them

Federalist Papers

a series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay and published b/w 1787 and 1788 that lay out the theory behind the Constitution

Identify/Describe: bicameral

a two-house legislature

AofC Article XIII weaknesses and civil unrest

amendments to constitution require approval from all state legislatures --> this is will rarely happen, which can lead to civil unrest from citizens who want change

Brutus No. 1

an Antifederalist Paper arguing that the country was too large to be governed as a republic and that the Constitution gave too much power to the national govt.

Identify/Describe: Great (Connecticut) Compromise

an agreement for a plan of govt. that drew upon both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans; settled issues of state representation by calling for a bicameral legislature w/ a House of Representatives apportioned proportionately and a Senate apportioned equally

Identify/Describe: Three-Fifths Compromise

an agreement reached by delegates at the Constitutional Convention that a slave would count as three-fifths of a person in calculating a state's representation

Federalist No. 51

an essay in which Madison argues that separation of powers and federalism will prevent tyranny

Federalist No. 10

an essay in which Madison argues that the dangers of factions can be mitigated by a large republic and republican govt.

Identify/Describe: ex post facto laws

appears in Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution; laws punishing people for acts that were not crimes at the time they were committed; prohibited by the Constitution

Identify/Describe: writ of habeas corpus

appears in Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution; the right of the ppl. detained by the govt. to know the charges against them; provided by the Constitution

Identify/Describe: bills of attainder

appears in Article I, Section 9 of the Constitution; when the legislature declares someone guilty without a trial; passing of these is prohibited by the Constitution

Identify/Describe: implied powers

authority of the federal government that goes beyond its expressed powers

Identify/Describe: expressed or enumerated powers

authority specifically granted to a branch of government in the Constitution; ex: Congress has the power to borrow money, tax, and regulate interstate commerce

Identify/Describe: Annapolis Convention

called in 1786 to address trade and navigation disputes among the states; participation was weak (5/13 states represented); called for another convention in Philadelphia (Constitutional Convention)

Identify/Describe: Supremacy Clause

constitutional provision declaring that the Constitution and all national laws and treaties are the supreme law of the land

AofC Article IV weaknesses and civil unrest

equal treatment and freedom of movement --> since there is tension among states, this doesn't allow for equal treatment of citizens --> trade issues as some states would work together while other states won't

AofC Article II weaknesses and civil unrest

establishes sovereignty of states --> issues among people of different states (distrust of other states)

AofC Article VIII weaknesses and civil unrest

expenditures are paid by money state legislatures raise (if they choose to raise them) --> if states don't raise money, national economy is in danger

The _______________________ branch is responsible for hearing and deciding on cases within federal courts.

judicial

Identify/Describe: Necessary and Proper Clause or Elastic Clause

language in Article I, Section 8, granting Congress the powers necessary to carry out its enumerated powers

AofC Article III weaknesses and civil unrest

league of friendship for defense and security --> alliances b/w states are unbalanced; states are not always willing to give to defense --> rebellions are unable to be put down easily

AofC Article VII weaknesses and civil unrest

national government can declare war --> all the states have to be onboard or there will be a weak army w/ the job of defending the ppl. --> civil unrest regarding lack of national security

AofC Article IX weaknesses and civil unrest

national government power < state power as states have the option to fund the government for expenditures (funding is not guaranteed) --> civil unrest as it is difficult to cultivate national economy

AofC Article V weaknesses and civil unrest

one vote in Congress (equal representation of states) --> bigger states may get mad at smaller states for the amount of representation they have which leads to tension among the people

If a faction of majority is widespread throughout one state, a large ___________________________________ prevents the interests of that faction from spreading throughout the nation.

republic

AofC Article VI weaknesses and civil unrest

states have to provide army --> if a state doesn't want to, there will be tension among citizens

Federalists

supporters of the proposed Constitution, who called for a strong national government

Identify/Describe: executive branch

the institution responsible for carrying out laws passed by the legislative branch; single Executive (although debated); 4-year term (no limit on terms); most powers shared with Congress to prevent tyranny; these are veto, commander-in-chief, oversee execution of law by bureaucracy, and treaty making; selected by the Electoral College - indirectly elected by the people

Identify/Describe: judicial branch

the institution responsible for hearing and deciding cases through the federal courts; Supreme Court: highest court in the land; lower court structure determined by Congress; has jurisdiction to handle disputes b/w states and national government, b/w 2 or more states, and b/w citizens of different states; must uphold the Supremacy Clause from the Constitution; judicial review, the ability of the courts to overturn a law or executive action, is not explicit in Constitution

Identify/Describe: legislative branch

the institution responsible for making laws; has more power than unicameral legislature under AofC

Identify/Describe: amendment

the process by which changes may be made to the Constitution; changing the Constitution is deliberately slow and difficult

Identify/Describe: federalism

the sharing of power between the national government and the states; provides multiple access points for citizens

Antifederalists

those opposed to the proposed Constitution, who favored stronger state governments

Large states worried that they would be ______________________ in a legislature with equal representation.

underrepresented

The Confederal Congress was made up of one chamber, making it ___________________________________.

unicameral

AofC Article XII weaknesses and civil unrest

war debt --> states might not want to pay it because it isn't their debt --> tension and uprising (ex: Shays's Rebellion)