American Government Chapter 2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is limited government?

A government that can take away individual rights.

A government with absolute power.

The idea that government is not all-powerful. (correct)

A government that has control over all aspects of life.

What does representative government represent?

Only the wealthy citizens.

The monarchy's decisions.

A single-party system.

The will of the people. (correct)

What is the Magna Carta?

Great Charter forced upon King John of England in 1215, establishing that the monarchy's power is not absolute.

What was the Petition of Rights?

A document signed by King Charles I in 1628 that challenged the divine right of kings and stated that monarchs are subject to the law. Signup and view all the answers

What is the English Bill of Rights?

A document agreed to by William and Mary in 1689, aimed at preventing the abuse of power by English monarchs. Signup and view all the answers

What does due process ensure?

The government must act fairly and in accordance with established laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is a charter?

A written grant of authority from the King. Signup and view all the answers

What does bicameral mean?

Having two legislative chambers. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a royal colony?

A colony controlled directly by the king. Signup and view all the answers

Name the three kinds of colonies.

Royal, proprietary, and charter. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Congressional Powers under the Articles of Confederation?

Make war and peace, send ambassadors, make treaties, borrow money, set up a money system, establish post offices, build a Navy, raise an army by asking for troops, fix uniform standards, settle disputes among the states. Signup and view all the answers

What obligations did States have to one another under the Articles of Confederation?

Pledged to obey the Articles and Acts of Congress, provide funds and troops when needed, and treat citizens and other states fairly. Signup and view all the answers

What were the obligations of states to citizens?

To provide protection. Signup and view all the answers

What powers did Congress not have under the Articles of Confederation?

Power to tax, regulate trade between states, and enforce obedience to the Articles. Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of the Constitutional Convention?

To revise the Articles of Confederation. Signup and view all the answers

What is ratification?

The formal approval of the states in the passing of a law. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Framers?

The delegates who attended the Philadelphia Convention. Signup and view all the answers

What is federalism?

The sharing of power between a central government and the states. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the leaders of the Federalists?

Madison, Jay, Hamilton, Washington. Signup and view all the answers

What did Anti-Federalists believe?

They opposed the Constitution, fearing a strong federal government. Signup and view all the answers

What did Anti-Federalists want to add to the Constitution?

A Bill of Rights. Signup and view all the answers

How many states were needed to ratify the Constitution for it to go into effect?

9 Signup and view all the answers

Which was the first state to ratify the Constitution?

Delaware Signup and view all the answers

Which state was the last to ratify the Constitution?

Rhode Island Signup and view all the answers

What was the first capital of the United States under the Constitution?

New York City Signup and view all the answers

Who was elected the first president of the United States?

George Washington Signup and view all the answers

What were the arguments of the Federalists?

The Articles were too weak, a strong government is needed, individual liberties are protected in state constitutions, and separation of powers prevents abuse. Signup and view all the answers

What were the arguments of the Anti-Federalists?

The ratification process is flawed, the president could become a monarch, Congress could become too powerful, no Bill of Rights, and states lack power to print money. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in American Government Origins

Limited Government: Establishes that government has restricted powers; individual rights cannot be infringed upon.
Representative Government: Emphasizes that government should reflect the will of the people, allowing their voice in governance.

Historical Documents Influencing American Government

Magna Carta (1215): Limited monarchical power and guaranteed rights such as trial by jury.
Petition of Rights (1628): Asserted that the monarchy is subject to law, challenging the divine right of kings.
English Bill of Rights (1689): Aimed to prevent monarchs from abusing their powers, establishing important civil liberties.

Types of Colonies

Royal Colony: Directly controlled by the king; government authority lies with royal appointments.
Proprietary Colony: Managed by individuals authorized by the king, who hold land grants.
Charter Colony: Established by documents from the king; included Massachusetts (initially), Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Legislative Structures

Bicameral: Legislative body with two chambers (e.g., U.S. Congress).
Unicameral: Legislative body with one chamber.

Colonial Relations and Governance

Committees of Correspondence: Networks set up to organize resistance against British rule.
First Continental Congress: Gathered representatives from most colonies in Philadelphia to unify against British policies.
Intolerable Acts: Series of punitive laws imposed by Britain that escalated colonial discontent.

Tensions Leading to Independence

Boycott: Colonists’ refusal to purchase British goods as a form of protest.
Shays' Rebellion: A revolt highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, prompting calls for a stronger central government.

Constitutional Convention and Compromises

Goal: To revise the Articles of Confederation, aiming to create a more effective governmental structure.
Virginia Plan: Proposed representation based on population, favoring larger states.
New Jersey Plan: Suggested equal representation for states, preserving the Articles’ framework.
Connecticut Compromise: Established a bicameral legislature with aspects from both plans to balance representation.

Fundamental Principles

Popular Sovereignty: Indicates that the authority of government rests with the people.
Separation of Powers: Distributes government powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse.

Rights and Liberties

Unalienable Rights: Basic rights inherent to individuals that cannot be surrendered.
Bill of Rights: Advocated for by Anti-Federalists, aimed to secure essential liberties against government infringement.

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Perspectives

Federalists: Supported the Constitution, advocating for a strong federal government as essential for stability and governance.
Anti-Federalists: Opposed ratification, fearing centralized power might lead to tyranny; highlighted the lack of a Bill of Rights as a crucial concern.

Ratification Process

Required States: Nine states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect.
Delaware: First state to ratify; New Hampshire was the ninth, bringing the Constitution into effect.

Initial Leadership

First President and Vice President: George Washington was elected first president, followed by John Adams as vice president, marking the establishment of executive leadership under the new Constitution.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts from Chapter 2 of American Government. This quiz focuses on fundamental ideas such as limited government and representative government. Use these flashcards to prepare for discussions on the origins of American governance.