Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the principal goal of the American Revolution?
What was the principal goal of the American Revolution?
What was the principal goal of the French Revolution?
What was the principal goal of the French Revolution?
What are natural rights?
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?
Why did the colonists believe they had a right to natural rights?
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How did the colonists defend their natural rights?
How did the colonists defend their natural rights?
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Who handled issues such as the environment under the Articles of Confederation?
Who handled issues such as the environment under the Articles of Confederation?
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What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
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What does Madison mean when he states, 'If men were angels, no government would be necessary'?
What does Madison mean when he states, 'If men were angels, no government would be necessary'?
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What was the central issue in the framing of the US Constitution?
What was the central issue in the framing of the US Constitution?
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What was the Great Compromise?
What was the Great Compromise?
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What was the goal of the Framers of the Constitution?
What was the goal of the Framers of the Constitution?
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What is the most common method to amending the Constitution?
What is the most common method to amending the Constitution?
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What is separation of powers?
What is separation of powers?
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From whom did the colonists take the idea of separation of powers?
From whom did the colonists take the idea of separation of powers?
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Define federalism.
Define federalism.
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What are reserved powers?
What are reserved powers?
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In which amendment does it state the reserved powers?
In which amendment does it state the reserved powers?
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What are enumerated powers?
What are enumerated powers?
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In which Article are enumerated powers listed?
In which Article are enumerated powers listed?
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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.
