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Questions and Answers
What was a key characteristic of the Three-Fifths Compromise?
What was a key characteristic of the Three-Fifths Compromise?
Which principle defines the division of powers between state and national governments?
Which principle defines the division of powers between state and national governments?
Which article of the Constitution establishes the Legislative branch?
Which article of the Constitution establishes the Legislative branch?
Which statement accurately describes the Federalists during the ratification process?
Which statement accurately describes the Federalists during the ratification process?
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What is necessary for an amendment to be ratified according to the Constitution?
What is necessary for an amendment to be ratified according to the Constitution?
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Study Notes
Slavery Issues
- The three-fifths compromise allowed for enslaved people to be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.
- The slave trade was permitted to continue until 1807.
Structure of the New Government
Principles of Government
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Popular Sovereignty: Political authority comes from the people, exercised through voting.
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Republic: A form of government relying on elected officials to represent citizens.
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Federalism: Power is divided between a national and state governments.
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Separation of Powers: Governmental power is divided among three branches, each with distinct duties.
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Legislative Branch: Creates laws (Congress, composed of House and Senate).
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Executive Branch: Carries out laws (President and Vice President).
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Judicial Branch: Interprets laws (courts).
Checks and Balances
- Each branch of government has powers to limit the actions of the others.
Amending the Constitution
- An amendment to the Constitution requires a supermajority vote from Congress (2/3rds) and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Ratification and the Bill of Rights
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
- Federalists: Favored ratification of the Constitution, believing state constitutions already protected individual rights. Key figures included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
- Anti-Federalists: Opposed ratification, demanding a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
Ratification Process
- Nine out of thirteen states needed to approve the Constitution for it to become effective.
- Delaware was the first state to ratify, followed by New Hampshire in ninth place, and Rhode Island as the last to ratify.
Bill of Rights (1791)
- The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing specific rights and freedoms to citizens.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts from American government, including the principles of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. Additionally, it addresses historical slavery issues such as the three-fifths compromise and the slave trade. Test your knowledge on how these elements shaped the United States!
