A New Nation Study Guide

What is a "Confederate" government?

A system in which separate states join together, but state leaders still make the decisions for their group. The central government is weak.

What is a "Federal" government?

A system in which the states share power with a strong central government.

Tenth Amendment

Any powers the Constitution does not give to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

According to the Declaration of Independence, people are "...endowed by their Creator with... "unalienable rights... of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." What does this mean?

By nature, God gave human rights to mankind that the government should not take away.

What check of power does the legislative branch (Congress) have over the judicial branch (Supreme Court)?

Congress must approve the judges the President chooses for the national government's courts.

Which branch of Government has the power to make treaties with other countries?

Executive Branch

Which branch of Government is responsible for leading the military?

Executive Branch

What are the 3 branches of the federal government set up by the U.S. Constitution?

Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch

What contribution did James Madison make in the forming of the Constitution?

He was the writer of the Virginia Plan, which set up our form of government used in the Constitution. Because of this plan, states agreed to ratify the constitution.

What check of power does the legislative branch (Congress) have over the executive branch (the President)?

If 2/3 of the Senate and House agree, Congress can pass a law even if the President has vetoed it.

Why is it important to respect the rights of others?

If you respect the rights of others, they should also respect your rights.

Eighth Amendment

In most cases, accused people can remain out of jail until their trial if they pay bail. Courts cannot demand bail that is to high or punish people in cruel ways.

What does the phrase "ratify the Constitution" mean?

It meant that the states agreed upon it, accepted it.

Who was known as "The Father of the Constitution?"

James Madison

Which branch of Government has the power to declare war?

Legislative Branch

Which branch of Government has the power to raise money by collecting taxes?

Legislative Branch

Fifth Amendment

People accused of a crime have the right to a fair trial. They cannot be tried more than once for the same crime. Accused people do not have to speak against themselves at a trial.

Sixth Amendment

People accused of a crime have the right to a fair, speedy, public trial by a jury. They have the right to a lawyer, to be told what crime they are accused of, and to question witnesses.

Third Amendment

People do not have to allow soldiers to live in their homes.

Ninth Amendment

People have other rights besides those stated in the Constitution.

Why was the Bill of Rights included in the Constitution?

People were afraid that a powerful central government would take away the rights of the people. The Bill of Rights were included so that people's rights would be protected and so that states would agree to ratify the Constitution.

Seventh Amendment

People who have a disagreement about something worth more than $20 have the right to a trial by a jury.

Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights put limits on the power of the government so that people's basic human rights could not be taken away.

How does the Bill of Rights place limits of the power of the government?

The Bill of Rights puts limits of the power of the government so that people's rights are not taken away.

What is the Constitution and what functions does it serve?

The Constitution is a written document outlining how the federal government will run. The Constitution was written so that the government's power would be limited and people's human rights would be preserved.

Which branch of Government is responsible for proposing, approving, and enforcing laws made by Congress?

The Executive Branch

Which branch of Government is responsible for deciding whether laws follow the guidelines of the Constitution?

The Judicial Branch

Which branch of Government is responsible for making laws?

The Legislative Branch

What was the position of the anti-slavery states?

The Northern states were against slavery as they thought it was unfair and evil to enslave people while building a government built on freedom. Northern states were less dependent of slaves for a good economy.

What check of power does the executive branch (the President) have over the legislative branch (the Congress)?

The President approves or vetoes laws passed by Congress.

What was the position of the pro-slavery states?

The Southern states were pro-slavery because they got their money from large farms and plantations. They wanted the free labor slavery provided to make more money.

What check of power does the judicial branch (Supreme Court) have over Congress?

The Supreme Court can declare a law passed by Congress unconstitutional.

What check of power does the judicial branch (Supreme Court) have over the executive branch (the President)?

The Supreme Court can declare the President's actions unconstitutional.

What was "The Great Compromise?"

The big states and little states disagreed about how many votes they would get. The big states wanted more votes based on population. The small states wanted all states to have the same amount of votes. "The Great Compromise" allowed for 2 houses of Congress.

Why was "freedom of speech" or "freedom of expression" an important part of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution?

The citizens were free to say how they felt about the government, without fear of punishment.

What does the term "state's rights" mean?

The idea that states, not the federal government, should make the final decisions about matters that affect them.

What check of power does the executive branch (the President) have over the judicial branch (Supreme Court)?

The president chooses the judges for the national government's courts.

Second Amendment

The right to bear arms. (own guns)

Why does the preamble to the Constitution begin with "We the People?"

This beginning shows that the people of the USA agreed with (or consented to) the new government.

What were the major weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation?

a) Congress could not set up a military (army). b) Congress could not control trade (buying and selling of goods) between nations. c) Congress could not collect taxes.

First Amendment

a) freedom of religion b) freedom of speech c) freedom to assemble d) freedom to petition the government over disputes

Fourth Amendment

The police cannot search people or their homes without a good reason.