American and French Revolutions Comparison

Questions and Answers

What was the principal goal of the American Revolution?

Liberty from England (correct)

Equality

Fraternity

Independence from France

What was the principal goal of the French Revolution?

Establishing a monarchy

State control of religion

Independence from England

Liberty, equality, fraternity (correct)

What are natural rights?

Natural rights are rights given to every person by God that should be evident by logic.

Why did the colonists believe they had a right to natural rights?

The colonists believed that God gave them these rights, and that the king of England was unfairly taking these away. Signup and view all the answers

How did the colonists defend their natural rights?

They defended these rights by writing them into the Declaration of Independence and going to war. Signup and view all the answers

Who handled issues such as the environment under the Articles of Confederation?

Many decisions were left for the states to decide. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

The delegates assembled to revise the Articles of Confederation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Madison mean when he states, 'If men were angels, no government would be necessary'?

He is saying that if people were perfect, no government would be needed to maintain order. Signup and view all the answers

What was the central issue in the framing of the US Constitution?

The central issue was how to devise a government strong enough to preserve order while not threatening liberty. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise was a plan to have a popularly elected House based on state population and a state-selected Senate, with two members for each state. Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Framers of the Constitution?

The goal was to create a new Constitution, having realized the Articles of Confederation needed fundamental changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common method to amending the Constitution?

To have 2/3 of both houses of Congress propose an amendment, and 3/4 of the state legislatures must agree. Signup and view all the answers

What is separation of powers?

It is the sharing of constitutional authority by multiple branches of government. Signup and view all the answers

From whom did the colonists take the idea of separation of powers?

They borrowed this idea from the French philosopher Montesquieu. Signup and view all the answers

Define federalism.

Federalism is government authority shared by national and local government. Signup and view all the answers

What are reserved powers?

They are powers given to the state government alone. Signup and view all the answers

In which amendment does it state the reserved powers?

The 10th Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

What are enumerated powers?

They are the powers given to the national government explicitly by the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

In which Article are enumerated powers listed?

Article I. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

American Revolution vs. French Revolution Goals

American Revolution aimed for liberty from England.
French Revolution sought liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Natural Rights

Natural rights are inherent rights granted by God, evident through reason.
Colonists believed these rights were divinely given and infringed upon by the English king.
Defense of natural rights included the Declaration of Independence and armed conflict.

Articles of Confederation Governance

Environmental and similar issues were delegated to state governments.
Fear of a strong federal government mirrored concerns over King George III's rule.

Constitutional Convention of 1787

Convened in Philadelphia to revise the ineffective Articles of Confederation.
Framers sought to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness but debated the form of government.

Madison's View on Human Nature and Government

Madison posited that perfect individuals would not require government.
Since humans are inherently selfish, laws are necessary to maintain order.

Framing of the US Constitution

Central issue focused on creating a balanced government: strong enough to maintain order yet limited to protect liberty.

Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature: a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation by state.
Balanced interests of large and small states, effectively concluding the Constitutional Convention.

Framers' Goals

Initially aimed to amend the Articles of Confederation.
Recognized the need for a complete overhaul to effectively govern and secure the nation.

Amendment Process of the Constitution

Most common method requires a 2/3 majority in both Congressional houses and ratification by 3/4 of state legislatures.
Illustrates federalism, where national proposals meet state approval.
Results in few amendments, contrasting with England's more flexible amendment process.

Separation of Powers

Defined as the distribution of governmental authority among branches.
Inspired by Montesquieu's philosophy advocating for distinct governmental powers.

Definition of Federalism

Federalism entails shared governmental authority between national and state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers designated specifically for state governments.
Codified in the 10th Amendment, confirming state authority over certain matters.

Enumerated Powers

Powers expressly granted to the national government, detailed in the Constitution.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental goals and philosophies behind the American and French Revolutions. It examines the concepts of natural rights, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Understand the ideological underpinnings that influenced both revolutionary movements.