American Government Straighterline Module 2

Which of these actions is an example of the principle of checks and balances at work? Select all that apply. -Congress may override the president's veto. -The House of Representatives must debate a bill before voting on it. -The Senate must vote in favor of legislation as well as the House of Representatives. -The president may veto legislation passed by Congress.

-Congress may override the president's veto. -The Senate must vote in favor of legislation as well as the House of Representatives. -The president may veto legislation passed by Congress. All of these are ways by which one part of government can check and balance the power of another part of government.

Shays' Rebellion

-Daniel Shays was a veteran of the war who, like many other poor farmers throughout the country, was unable to pay his debt. Shays organized a group known as "Shaysites," or "Regulators," in the spirit of the American Revolution to fight against the seizure of property. -Their rebellion began by forcing the closure of the courts in western Massachusetts in an attempt to prevent them from seizing the property of poor, indebted farmers. -They also demanded that the government relieve them by printing and issuing its own paper money and by lowering taxes. -The rebellion ran from August 1786 to January 1787 and culminated with an attack on a federal armory in Springfield, Massachusetts. -The attack was put down by a private army, but by then the Shaysites had spread to other states. The national leaders' lack of a real response to the rebellion demonstrated the weakness of the central government under the Articles of Confederation

Explain why the Framers of the Constitution believed it was necessary to place limits on state power when a state's interest interferes with national interests.

-During the period that our nation was governed under the Articles of Confederation, the national government was extremely weak, and state governments held all of the power. -There were many issues surrounding how to respond during a crisis, not being able to raise revenue, and having different currencies throughout the nation, which made it very difficult to run an efficient government. By outlining the national, state, and shared powers of the government, we are able to clearly identify the responsibilities of our state and national governments. --The national government is able to control all aspects that relate to the common needs of our country to ensure efficiency and to ensure that states do not have powers that conflict with national interests.

Despite the fact that ordinary Americans are now allowed to take part in government to a greater extent than they were at the time the Constitution was ratified, checks on the people's ability to influence government and on the House of Representatives, formerly the voice of ordinary people, remain. For example, during the impeachment of President Clinton in 1998, members of the _____________________brought charges against him and the ________________________ found him innocent. Only the Senate may ______________________. In the disputed 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush became president because he won the_____________________________

-House of Representatives, Senate -ratify treaties -electoral college vote

What is the difference between the doctrine of original intent and the idea of a living Constitution?

-People who favor the theory of original intent argue that we should do what the Framers of the Constitution wanted. We should determine what the wording of the Constitution meant to them. -People who favor the idea of a living (or evolving) Constitution say that the Framers could not foresee all of the issues that Americans would have to confront in the future and, realizing this, meant for people to change the interpretation that they gave to the Constitution as times changed

What is the difference between those who take a strict constructionist approach to the Constitution and those who take a loose constructionist approach to the Constitution?

-Strict constructionists believe that, when interpreting the meaning of the Constitution, one should rely upon the exact wording of the document. -Unless a power or right is expressly granted, then it does not exist. -Loose constructionists argue that additional rights and powers may be implied. If, for example, the exercise of a particular, stated power requires that something else also be done, then the government has the right to do it, even if that power is not expressly given to it.

The Quebec Act (1774)

-The British seized control of the Canadian province Quebec from the French during the French and Indian War. The Quebec Act was intended to integrate Quebec into the British empire. -To ease the integration process, the British government allowed Quebec to retain its French law code for civil matters and to maintain the system of government that they had when ruled by France. -The Quebec Act also gave the former French province control over the land west of the Appalachian Mountains that the American colonists had been forbidden to settle. -American colonists were outraged and frightened. They wondered if the British would try to eliminate self-government from the other colonies as they had from Massachusetts.

The Coercive Acts (1774)

-The Coercive Acts were intended to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party and to intimidate the other colonies. -The acts closed the port of Boston. -The Massachusetts' governor's council was replaced by men appointed by the British king, and Massachusetts' towns were limited to one town meeting a year. -Massachusetts' residents were no longer allowed to elect many local officials, and the governor, who was appointed by the king, was given the power to appoint judges, sheriffs, and justices of the peace. -The governor was also given the power to send British officials accused of crimes back to England for trial. -A new quartering act was also implemented. -For many colonists, interference with their longstanding tradition of self-government was the final straw. The Coercive Acts figure prominently in the grievances against Britain mentioned in the Declaration of Independence.

The Framers of the Constitution faced a dilemma. They wished to prevent the national government from becoming too powerful by allowing ordinary people to influence national politics. At the same time, they did not wish ordinary people to have too much influence over national politics. What did the Framers do to check and balance the power of the people? Choose three. -The Constitution allowed people to vote directly for members of the House of Representatives, but bills also needed to be passed by the Senate (chosen by state legislatures) before they were sent to the president to be signed into law. -The Framers of the Constitution allowed people to vote for the president, but left the final decision to the electoral college, the members of which were not required to select the candidate who had won the popular vote. -The Constitution allowed people to vote directly for members of the House of Representatives, but these men were limited to only two terms in office. -The Constitution allowed the popularly elected House of Representatives to find the president innocent or guilty but only after the Senate decided to bring charges against him.

-The Constitution allowed people to vote directly for members of the House of Representatives, but bills also needed to be passed by the Senate (chosen by state legislatures) before they were sent to the president to be signed into law. -The Framers of the Constitution allowed people to vote for the president, but left the final decision to the electoral college, the members of which were not required to select the candidate who had won the popular vote. -The Constitution allowed people to vote directly for members of the House of Representatives, but these men were limited to only two terms in office.

The Currency Act (1764)

-The Currency Act abolished the use of paper money printed in the colonies and required that colonists use only hard money (gold or silver) to pay for goods. -------Because hard money was scarce in the colonies, this measure would hurt commerce. -The second part of the law announced that colonists caught smuggling goods into the colonies (a common practice done to evade paying taxes and customs duties) would be tried in a Vice-Admiralty court. -In Vice-Admiralty courts, judges find the accused innocent or guilty, and there is no jury of one's peers. -In the eyes of the colonists, this was a violation of the right to a jury trial that had been guaranteed to English citizens in the English Bill of Rights, and this became another grievance mentioned in the Declaration of Independence.

The three primary documents that were key to the formation of the American government were:

-The Declaration of Independence (1776) -The Constitution (1789) -The Bill of Rights (1791)

Which of the following BEST explains what is meant when the Constitution is described as a living document? -The Constitution is a perfect document that is always relevant to any situation and should never be changed. -The Framers wanted to create a flexible document that could change with the times, allowing the Constitution's meaning to evolve as society changed. -The Constitution should continue to be interpreted in such a way that follows the original intentions of the Framers. -There are aspects of the Constitution that are no longer applicable to modern society.

-The Framers wanted to create a flexible document that could change with the times, allowing the Constitution's meaning to evolve as society changed. The perspective of a living Constitution contends that the Framers wanted to create a flexible and durable document that would change in meaning to stay relevant through a long period of time.

The British Parliament passed the law of the Proclamation of 1763 that ___________________________________________________________________________ The British imposed taxes on the colonists to pay for _______________________________________________________________________

-The Proclamation of 1763 prevented colonists from settling on land west of the Appalachian Mountains. -The British acquired a lot of debt by fighting in the French and Indian War to protect the American colonists. They felt it was fair to have the colonists help pay for some of that debt.

The Quartering Act (1765)

-The Quartering Act required that American colonists house and provide food for British troops. -This became a source of tension for the colonists, as they had complied with British orders during wartime, and they found the quartering of troops during peacetime to be both unnecessary and yet another violation of the English Bill of Rights. -That also became a reason for revolt included in the list of grievances against Britain in the Declaration of Independence. -The British government, however, argued that the troops were kept in the colonies to protect them from attacks by American Indian tribes living in formerly French territory west of the Appalachians.

The Stamp Act (1765)

-The Stamp Act required colonists to pay a tax on all printed materials, including books, newspapers, magazines, and legal documents, all of which were required to bear an embossed stamp. -The revenue went toward paying debts that stemmed from the French and Indian War, as well as protecting the American frontier.

The Sugar Act (1764)

-The Sugar Act was really an attempt to strengthen the earlier Molasses Act of 1733, which had imposed a tax of six pence per gallon of molasses. -The Molasses Act was never effective, because the colonists were able to evade it by smuggling molasses into the colonies. -With the Sugar Act, the British reduced the tax rate but increased their collection efforts. The purpose of the tax was to increase revenue, but it hit the colonies during a depression that many attributed to the tax itself

Townshend Acts (1767)

-The Townshend Acts were similar to the Stamp Act, but even harsher. These acts imposed new taxes on glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea. The colonists protested these acts, sometimes violently. -Most of these taxes were repealed, except for the tax on tea. The protest culminated in the famous Boston Tea Party of 1773. Following the refusal of officials to return three shiploads of tea to Britain, colonists boarded the ships and dumped the tea into Boston Harbor.

Explain how the American system of separation of powers and checks and balances prevents the abuse of power

-The U.S. government is divided among three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. The purpose of this division is to prevent tyranny, which exists when a ruler has too much power and can exert his or her will on the people. -By separating power among the three branches of government, no one ruler or branch can hold too much power. -Tyranny is further prevented through checks and balances, which allow the branches to keep each other in check, preventing any one branch from gaining too much power. -An example of checks and balances in action is the president's ability to veto bills passed by Congress.

What were the problems with the Articles of Confederation? Select all that apply. -The Articles of Confederation were too easy to amend and required the votes of only three states. -The central government had no power to regulate commerce. -The central government had no power to raise an army. -The central government had no power to collect taxes from individuals or states.

-The central government had no power to regulate commerce. -The central government had no power to raise an army. -The central government had no power to collect taxes from individuals or states. All of these were problems with the Articles of Confederation.

The Newburgh Conspiracy

-a plan by Continental Army officers in Newburgh, New York to challenge the authority of the Confederation Congress, arising from their frustration with Congress's long-standing inability to meet its financial obligations to the military. -Was defused by George Washington himself

anti-Federalists

-argued that, because there were no protections for citizens specified in the Constitution, the federal government would be able to oppress the people and deprive them of their rights -- just as the British government had done to the colonists before the American Revolution. -A Bill of Rights, they maintained, was necessary to guarantee individual liberties and protect American citizens from being abused by their government.

The Articles of Confederation

-could not be amended without permission from the legislatures of all thirteen states. -The states were allowed to make their own laws and print their own money. -The national government only had the power to declare war, seek peace, and draft treaties. Beyond that, there was little that it could do. It did not have the power to tax or to raise an army.

Article IV

-describes the government of the states and the relationship of the states to one another. -It requires that states must treat the residents of other states in the same way that they treat their own residents and must recognize the laws of other states. (For example, if a couple is legally married in one state, other states should treat the couple as legally married.) -It also requires that fugitives from one state be returned to the state in which they committed the crime of which they have been accused. -It describes how new states may be created. -Finally, Article IV requires that each state provide its residents with a republican style of government

Article I

-describes the structure of the legislative branch of government and its powers. -The legislature, called the Congress, was divided into two chambers. -In one, representation of the states would be equal; in the other, representation would be based on each state's population. -Article I also enumerates the powers that Congress may exercise.

The Articles created a Confederation Congress

-each of the thirteen states sent representatives. The representatives were chosen by state legislatures. -When it came time to make decisions, each state, regardless of its size or population, had one vote. -There was no chief executive, meaning there was no single, recognized leader to represent the nation abroad. -The Congress could not exercise any of its powers without the agreement of nine of the states.

The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government

-leaving most of the power with the state governments. -The Articles did not give the federal government the authority to levy taxes or require the states to pay their share of the nation's expenses. -The federal government also did not have the authority to regulate commerce, which hindered the development of a national economy. -Under the Articles, the nation had no national defense, making it vulnerable to attacks. An individual state could easily be overrun by a foreign government.

With no authority over the states, the federal government could not force the states to fulfill national obligations

-paying the nation's Revolutionary War debts. -The federal government's authority was further weakened by the lack of a chief executive to carry out essential tasks and handle national crises. -In addition, amendments to the Articles required unanimous approval of the state legislatures, making it difficult to enact necessary changes.

Articles of Confederation

-the delegates to the Second Continental Congress created a committee to draft a constitution to unify the former colonies into thirteen sovereign but interdependent states -These articles brought the new states together in a confederation, a form of government in which independent states with the power to govern themselves come together as one for certain purposes, such a defense. -The drafting of the Articles of Confederation began in July 1776. A year later they were sent to the states for ratification. Ratification was completed in 1781.

In order to be ratified, a constitutional amendment must be approved by three-fourths of which institution? -the state legislatures -the president's cabinet -the Supreme Court -both houses of Congress

-the state legislatures Correct. A constitutional amendment must be passed by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress then ratified by three-quarters of the state legislatures to become law.

"For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever."

Coercive Acts

Which of the following correctly describes the process by which a proposed amendment is added to the Constitution? -Congress votes on it. If it passes by a majority vote, it goes to the president. If the president signs it, it is added to the Constitution. -Congress votes on it. If it passes by a majority vote, it is sent to the states for ratification. If it is ratified by the majority of the states, it is added to the Constitution. -Congress votes on it. If it passes by a two-thirds vote, it is sent to the states for ratification. If it is ratified by three-quarters of the states, it is added to the Constitution. -Congress votes on it. If it passes by a majority vote, it is added to the Constitution.

Congress votes on it. If it passes by a two-thirds vote, it is sent to the states for ratification. If it is ratified by three-quarters of the states, it is added to the Constitution. The proposed amendment must pass Congress by a two-thirds majority vote and go to the states for ratification. If three-quarters of the states ratify the proposed amendment, it becomes part of the Constitution.

Amendments to the Constitution must be passed by two-thirds of both chambers and then ratified by three-quarters of the states in the union.

Created to improve failures of the Articles of Confederation One of the main problems with the Articles of Confederation was that they could only be changed by unanimous vote.

Bills to raise taxes must originate in the House of Representatives, whose members are chosen by the people.

Created to improve issues that led to the American Revolution Requiring that all bills to raise taxes come from representatives voted for by ordinary Americans ensured that "taxation without representation" would not occur.

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in order to ensure additional protection for Americans against an oppressive government.

Created to improve issues that led to the American Revolution The belief that the British government was abusing American colonists by depriving them of the rights promised to citizens in the English Bill of Rights (for example, trial by jury) was a major cause of the American Revolution.

"For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury"

Currency Act

There was no chief executive.

Diplomatic affairs with other countries were difficult

Article II

Executive Branch -describes the executive branch of government. -The executive branch of government is responsible for executing the decisions of the other branches. -It lists the qualifications for becoming president and describes the process for electing the president. -It also describes the powers of the president.

Federalists

Federalists supported a strong national government with a strong, central authority. -They wanted a government that was capable of providing national security to protect liberty. -They supported a strong national economy characterized by a central banking system. -They advocated for a central government that could develop a robust foreign policy. -They also promoted a national judicial system.

Changing the Articles of Confederation required unanimous approval.

It was difficult to change the law on a federal level

The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution protects people against "cruel and unusual" punishment. Human life is valued more highly today when people (at least in the developed nations) no longer die in large numbers from famine, war, or infectious diseases. Furthermore, capital punishment is no longer practiced by most of the world's most developed nations. In the twenty-first century, punishing people by putting them to death is indeed cruel, regardless of the method used. Therefore, it should be abolished in the United States. Is this an argument that favors original intent or the living Constitution? Original intent Living Constitution

Living Constitution This interpretation takes into account ideas regarding capital punishment in today's world.

The U.S. Air Force was created in 1947. Congress may "raise and support Armies," and "provide and maintain a Navy," and make "Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces." Strict construction Loose construction

Loose construction A loose constructionist would argue that the creation of the Air Force was a "necessary and proper" set of legislation, which is one of the powers of Congress.

In 2000, the Supreme Court struck down part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which makes domestic violence a federal crime. According to VAWA supporters, domestic violence has an adverse effect on the nation's economy. The Constitution's Commerce Clause grants the federal government the power to regulate matters that affect the economy. Therefore, VAWA supporters argue that Congress has the authority to make domestic violence a federal crime. Is this argument based on a strict or loose constructionist interpretation of the Constitution? Strict construction Loose construction

Loose construction This law interprets the Commerce Clause loosely to allow Congress to regulate anything that affects the economy.

Determine whether the actions are reflective of a strict or loose construction of the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory. The Constitution made no provisions for incorporating foreign nations into the Union. Strict construction Loose construction

Loose construction Though Jefferson was a strict constructionist, his actions in acquiring the Louisiana Territory are reflective of loose constructionism since the Constitution made no provisions for incorporating foreign nations into the Union.

Are individual states, such as Arizona and New Mexico, able to form treaties with foreign countries? Why, or why not? -No, the Constitution does not grant this right to the states, and if states are not expressly granted a right by the Constitution, they do not have that right. -No, the Constitution expressly denies states the right to make treaties with foreign countries. -Yes, the Constitution grants the power to form treaties to the individual states. -Yes, the Constitution does not grant this right to states, but because it does not expressly deny this right to states, the Tenth Amendment allows states to make treaties with foreign countries.

No, the Constitution expressly denies states the right to make treaties with foreign countries.

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts

Note 1: Congress has right to levy taxes on individuals. The Articles of Confederation only allowed Congress the ability to request states to pay taxes.

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

Note 2: Congress has right to regulate trade between states. The Articles of Confederation did not have provisions to regulate interstate trade.

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

Note 3: Congress has the exclusive power to regulate the monetary system of the federal government. This power includes creating as well as valuating the currency.

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;To provide and maintain a Navy; To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces; To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

Note 4: Congress has the exclusive power to control the national defense system, including private military contractors, and the regulation of the state militias when federalized at the discretion of the Commander in Chief.

The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Internet did not exist at the time the Bill of Rights was written. Therefore, the Fourth Amendment does prevent the government from searching the contents of your mail, but it does not prevent the government from searching the contents of your e-mail without a warrant. Does this argument favor original intent or the living Constitution? Living Constitution Original intent

Original intent This interpretation takes into account only those forms of communication that the Framers were familiar with and ignores the ways in which technology has changed since the 18th century.

The Eighth Amendment to the Constitution protects people against "cruel and unusual" punishment. Hanging was a common punishment at this time, so it would most likely not have seemed "unusual" to the Framers, nor may have it seemed especially cruel. When thinking of cruel and unusual methods of punishment, they probably were envisioning the torture of criminals (a practice in many European countries in the recent past) or such horrific forms of execution as burning people alive or drawing and quartering the convicted—methods that involved prolonged suffering. A method of execution that is relatively quick and painless would not have seemed either cruel or unusual to the Framers. The Framers did not wish to abolish all forms of capital punishment, so it should not be abolished. Is this an argument that favors original intent or the living Constitution? Living Constitution Original intent

Original intent This interpretation relies upon the meaning of cruel and unusual punishment at the time the Framers wrote the Constitution.

Which of the following does the principle of the separation of powers suggest? Power should be dispersed among three branches of government. Power should be equally shared between the state and national governments. Power should be concentrated at the national level.

Power should be dispersed among three branches of government.

Which of the following are powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution? Choose three. Power to regulate commerce Power to regulate marriage Power to declare war Power to coin money

Power to regulate commerce Power to declare war Power to coin money

After speaking with her attorney, Tammy reviews the amendments that the law appears to violate and finds herself confused by how the law was passed in the first place. The Fourth Amendment states "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." Which statement explains what the Bill of Rights was designed to do? -Prevent the national government from violating the rights of individuals only. -Prevent the national government from violating the rights of individuals and states. -Prevent the national government from violating the rights of the states only.

Prevent the national government from violating the rights of individuals and states. By including a Bill of Rights, the national government would have an outline of actions that cannot be taken in order to protect individuals and states.

How was popular participation in government for U.S. citizens limited prior to the 20th century? (Select all that apply). Choose two. Qualified voters had to own property. Women were not allowed to vote. President chose members of the Senate. Representatives were elected for only two years per term.

Qualified voters had to own property. Women were not allowed to vote. Representatives were elected for only two years per term.

"For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us"

Quartering Act

"For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies"

Quebec Act

How would you characterize recent proposals to amend the Constitution?

Recent efforts to amend the Constitution have been largely socially and politically conservative in nature. Instead of seeking to expand people's rights, they have tried to limit them. For example, proposed bans on abortion and attempts to prevent people from treating the American flag disrespectfully would restrict the kinds of things that people are allowed to do or the things they want to communicate to others.

"For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent"

Stamp Act

Which of the following are examples of denials of power to the states? (Select all that apply). Choose three. States may not declare war. States may not grant titles of nobility. States may not make treaties with foreign nations. States may not impose taxes.

States may not declare war. States may not grant titles of nobility. States may not make treaties with foreign nations.

Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the treasury who favored a strong national government, wanted to establish a national bank. Thomas Jefferson, the first secretary of state, did not want a strong federal government. Jefferson argued that nowhere in the Constitution was Congress given the power to create a bank. Therefore, it could not do so. Does Jefferson's argument rely on a strict construction of the Constitution or a loose construction of the Constitution? Loose construction Strict construction

Strict construction A strict constructionist reading would look at the exact wording of the document and, finding no mention of the word "bank," would say that Congress could not create one.

According to the Supreme Court in the case of Minnesota v. Carter, a household visitor in a home, such as a drug dealer, is NOT protected by the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures of one's property by police searching for evidence of a crime. The Fourth Amendment reads, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated..." Strict construction Loose construction

Strict construction The Fourth Amendment specifically mentions that a person in their own home is protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. An individual making a short-term visit to a home for the purpose of conducting a commercial transaction does not receive the same protections as the homeowner.

Which of the following is true of the government under the Articles of Confederation? -The Confederation Congress taxed the states and the people to pay for the national government's expenses. -The Confederation Congress needed the unanimous approval of states to amend the Articles. -The Confederation Congress had the power to raise an army. -Only the national government could issue money.

The Confederation Congress needed the unanimous approval of states to amend the Articles

separation of powers

The Constitution divides the national government's powers into three distinct branches, the legislative, the executive, and the judicial, each with its own rights and responsibilities.

How did the Constitution resolve the following issue? -Americans resented having to pay taxes imposed by representatives for whom they did not vote. -The Constitution gave the president, who was popularly elected, the right to impose all taxes. -The Constitution allowed people to vote directly for laws that would raise their taxes. -The Constitution gave people the right to vote for members of the House of Representatives, and it required revenue bills to originate in the House.

The Constitution gave people the right to vote for members of the House of Representatives, and it required revenue bills to originate in the House.

Even though Americans realized that there were serious problems with the Articles of Confederation, it was almost impossible to change them. -The Constitution provides a process by which it may be changed. -New amendments may be added to the Constitution by popular vote. -In Article VII, the Constitution states that a convention to suggest changes to the document must meet every fifty years.

The Constitution provides a process by which it may be changed. It is possible to amend the Constitution.

How did the Constitution resolve each of the following issues? Americans feared that a powerful national government would abuse the people and take power from the states. -Americans were given the right to immediately remove from office any elected official of whom they disapproved. -The Constitution requires that all of the president's actions be approved by Congress and the Supreme Court. -The Constitution was amended by the addition of a Bill of Rights.

The Constitution was amended by the addition of a Bill of Rights. A Bill of RIghts was added to the Constitution to protect the people and the states from abuse by a too-powerful government.

Which of the following measures is related to the colonists' grievance against the British government: "He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws, giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation." the Declaratory Act the Stamp Act the Quartering Act the Sugar Act

The Declaratory Act The Declaratory Act allowed Britain to legislate for the colonies without the colonies' approval.

The Declaratory Act (1766)

The Declaratory Act stated that the British Parliament had the absolute power to make laws for the colonial governments, even though the colonists did not have any representation in Parliament.

The national government had no power to impose taxes

The National government could not pay its debts

Which of the following events in U.S. history illustrated the problems with a weak, central government, and what was the nature of the problem? -Shays' Rebellion revealed the problems that could result from the central government's inability to regulate commerce. -The Newburgh Conspiracy revealed the problems that could result from the central government's inability to regulate commerce. -The Newburgh Conspiracy revealed the problems that could result from the central government's inability to collect taxes. -Shays' Rebellion revealed the problems that could result from the difficulty of amending the Articles of Confederation.

The Newburgh Conspiracy revealed the problems that could result from the central government's inability to collect taxes. The Newburgh Conspiracy was the result of the central government's failure to pay soldiers in the Continental Army. The government could not raise the money needed to pay soldiers because it could not collect taxes.

Which statement reflects a modern, strict constructionist interpretation of the wording of the Constitution's Second Amendment? -The amendment grants all U.S. citizens the right to self-defense. -The amendment grants individuals the right to possess any preferred type of "arms" without government interference. -The amendment grants states, not individuals, the right to self-defense. -The amendment grants all U.S. citizens the right to keep weapons in their homes and on their person.

The amendment grants states, not individuals, the right to self-defense. A strict constructionist would interpret the amendment according to its literal meaning

Which of the following statements accurately explains how the problems associated with the Articles of Confederation led to rebellion on the part of colonists in the late eighteenth century? -The state governments' inability to print money led to the Constitutional Convention. -The state governments' inability to print money and regulate commerce led to Shay's Rebellion. -The central government's imposition of heavy taxes on colonists led to the Boston Tea Party. -The central government's inability to impose taxes and generate revenue led to the Newburgh Conspiracy.

The central government's inability to impose taxes and generate revenue led to the Newburgh Conspiracy. The central government's inability to generate revenue to pay soldiers' pensions led to the Newburgh Conspiracy.

Which of the following statements reflects the loose constructionist philosophy? -Even if an act is related to a power expressly granted in the Constitution, the national government does not have the authority to carry out the act. -The elastic clause gives the national government the implied power to carry out actions related to powers specifically granted in the Constitution. -Article I of the Constitution prohibits the national government from exercising powers that are not specifically granted in the Constitution. -The Framers of the Constitution intended that the national government's powers be limited to what is expressly granted in the Constitution.

The elastic clause gives the national government the implied power to carry out actions related to powers specifically granted in the Constitution. Loose constructionists believe that the elastic clause gives the national government the authority to carry out actions that are closely related to their explicitly granted powers.

Which statement summarizes a strict constructionist reading of the second amendment? -The language of the amendment announces that the right to keep arms is restricted to those participating in a militia, not for self-defense related interests. -The history of our country demonstrates an individual's right to keep and bear arms. -The states included the right to bear arms in their state constitutions immediately following the adoption of the second amendment. -There are state amendments that specifically refer to an individual right to bear arms, not associated with a militia.

The language of the amendment announces that the right to keep arms is restricted to those participating in a militia, not for self-defense related interests A strict constructionist reading of the second amendment would rely on the exact wording of the passage when interpreting the Constitution.

Which of the following weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was highlighted by the events of Shays' Rebellion? -The national government did not have a chief executive. -The national government did not have an independent judiciary. -The national government needed unanimous approval of state legislatures to amend the articles.

The national government did not have a chief executive.

Which of the following weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation was highlighted by the events of the Newburgh Conspiracy? The national government did not have the ability to collect taxes. The national government did not have an independent judiciary. The national government was under military control.

The national government did not have the ability to collect taxes.

What does a grant of power entail? -Power is divided between the national and state governments. -The national government is limited by confining its scope of authority to those powers expressly granted in the Constitution. -State governments are limited by listing powers that those governments are expressly prohibited from using. -The powers of the government are divided among separate institutions or branches.

The national government is limited by confining its scope of authority to those powers expressly granted in the Constitution.

Which of the following arguments was made by the Anti-Federalists in favor of a Bill of Rights? -The national government would not be able to violate the rights of individuals and states. -The state governments added a Bill of Rights to state constitutions. -The people had the most interaction with their state governments regarding individual liberties

The national government would not be able to violate the rights of individuals and states The Anti-Federalists argued that by incorporating a Bill of Rights into our national constitution, it prevented the national government from violating the rights of individuals and the states.

Explain why the phrase "no taxation without representation" was an important rallying cry to justify declaring independence from the British

The phrase "no taxation without representation" was a meaningful slogan during the American Revolutionary period. -The phrase emphasizes the primary grievances that the colonists had against the British. -The British Parliament did not directly represent the American colonists, yet they imposed taxes on them, which led colonists to believe that their rights as Englishmen were being violated according to the English Bill of Rights of 1689.

checks and balances

To further restrict the power of the national government, the Constitution gives each branch of government the ability to check the other two branches and balance out their power

There was no uniform system of currency. Each state could print its own money.

Trade between domestic and foreign states was difficult and inefficient

Explain how the process for amending the Constitution improved, compared to the issues that existed when attempting to amend the Articles of Confederation.

Under the Articles of Confederation, the unanimous approval of all 13 states was needed in order to amend the document. This process made it nearly impossible to make changes. The Constitution resolved this issue by requiring that ⅔ of both houses of Congress and ¾ of the state legislatures approve amendments in order for them to become law.

How was the political participation of American citizens limited at the time the Constitution was ratified? -American citizens weren't given the right to select members of the --House of Representatives or the Senate. -Citizens were only permitted to vote in state elections. -Women, African Americans, and men without property were denied the right to vote. -The Constitution allowed for the popular election of the president.

Women, African Americans, and men without property were denied the right to vote.

anarchy

a lawless society

Which of the following has been proposed as an amendment to the Constitution in the late twentieth and twenty-first centuries? a ban on desecration of the flag a ban on abortion stricter requirements for citizenship all of the above

all of the above All of these have been proposed as amendments to the Constitution.

Which of the following amendments proposed in the past 50 years was ratified and became an amendment to the Constitution? -amendment granting equal rights to women -amendment prohibiting flag desecration -amendment requiring that the federal government have a balanced budget -amendment granting suffrage for 18 year olds

amendment granting suffrage for 18 year olds This amendment, which granted the right to vote to 18 year olds, was ratified in 1971 and became the Twenty-Sixth Amendment to the Constitution.

Many of the Framers feared that a strong, central government would abuse Americans in the same way that they believed England had before the Revolution. They therefore opposed the power given to the national government by the Constitution and did not wish to ratify the document. Those who opposed the ratification of the Constitution were known as _________________________ Many of them agreed to ratification only after they were promised that a Bill of Rights would be added to the Constitution to protect people's rights. They were especially reassured by the addition of the ______________________, which guaranteed that all powers not specifically given to the national government or denied to the states would be given to the states.

anti-federalists Tenth Amendment

original intent

centers around the belief that, when interpreting the Constitution, one must follow the original intent of the Framers. They ask themselves, "What did the Framers mean when they wrote these words?" Strict construction is the preferred approach of those who are politically conservative and thus wish to maintain things as they are, regardless of social change.

In Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a right to privacy under the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment extends to a woman's right to an abortion. separation of powers checks and balances

checks and balances The judicial branch can declare laws to be unconstitutional, providing oversight to the legislative and executive branches.

In 2008, President Bush vetoed legislation that would ban the CIA from using harsh interrogation methods, such as waterboarding. separation of powers checks and balances

checks and balances The president has the power to veto legislation that is passed by the legislative branch.

Of the proposed amendments to the Constitution, most reflect which of the following concerns? -concerns regarding the national economy -concerns regarding the political and social issues of the time at which they are suggested -concerns regarding states' rights -concerns regarding the power of the federal government

concerns regarding the political and social issues of the time at which they are suggested The post-Civil War era saw the passage of three important amendments that officially ended slavery, equal protection of the law, and prohibited discrimination on the basis of "race, color, or previous condition of servitude" in voting.

Powers not granted to the national government are ____________ to it.

denied

Article VII

describes ratification (official acceptance) of the Constitution. Once the Constitution had been ratified by nine of the thirteen states, it would become the official law of the United States, even in those states that had not ratified it

Article III

describes the judicial branch of the central government and the powers of the Supreme Court

Article V

describes the process by which the Constitution may be amended.

Which branch of the government can veto legislation passed by Congress? legislative judicial executive

executive In the executive branch, the president can check the legislative branch's power by vetoing legislation passed by Congress.

The national government may not exercise any powers that it was not explicitly _________________

granted For example, Congress has the power to declare war because the Constitution explicitly says that it may declare war.

The Articles of Confederation were flawed because they invested the greatest power in __________________________________

individual states The Articles of Confederation reserved most powers for the states, resulting in a weak and ineffective central government.

The best way for the amendment's supporters to influence the composition of the Supreme Court will be to ____________. -influence the Senate to confirm only those candidates nominated by the president who would be likely to support the proposed amendment -influence the House of Representatives to vote only for candidates who would be likely to support the proposed amendment persuade the American people to vote for the candidates (proposed by the president) that would be likely to support the proposed amendment -influence the Senate to nominate only candidates who would be likely to support the proposed amendment so that, regardless of who the president chooses, the new justices will be sympathetic to their goals

influence the Senate to confirm only those candidates nominated by the president who would be likely to support the proposed amendment The president nominates candidates to the Supreme Court, but the Senate must confirm them.

The Constitution was organized _______________________________________________________________________________________________

into a preamble and seven sections called articles

The Constitution created a strong central system of power in the national government, but it also set in place __________ on that power

limits

Article VI

pertains to the central government as whole. It explicitly makes the central government superior to state governments and requires that public officials declare their loyalty to the United States.

The president commands the nation's armed forces, but only Congress can declare war. checks and balances separation of powers

separation of powers The U.S. government separates its powers among three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Congress passes a new standardized testing law, and the Department of Education enforces it. separation of powers checks and balances

separation of powers Within the separation of powers, Congress is responsible for passing the law, while the agencies within the executive branch enforce the law.

The Constitution grants authority to the national government, but withholds it from the ___________________________ An example of this is that only the ______________________ government can enter into treaties with foreign nations.

states, federal

What was the purpose of amending the Constitution to include a Bill of Rights? -to make the original Constitution, which was relatively short in content, longer -to reinforce the executive authority of the president -to protect the people and the states from abuse from a too-powerful federal government -to test the amendment process

to protect the people and the states from abuse from a too-powerful federal government The Bill of Rights was added as an amendment to the Constitution to protect citizens and states from the national government in a compromise between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

Living Constitution

to treat the Constitution as a "living" document whose meaning changes with the times. Those who argue in favor of a living Constitution (also sometimes called an evolving Constitution) maintain that the Framers wanted to create a flexible document that could change to fit the times.