Gov Chapter 3 Test: The Constitution

Questions and Answers

What is the term for a person who opposed ratification of the Constitution?

Constitutionalist

Ratifier

Anti-Federalist (correct)

Federalist

What does Article III of the Constitution create?

the judicial branch

What is the purpose of Article V?

the amendment process

What system ensures that each branch of government can check the powers of the others?

Checks and Balances Signup and view all the answers

What is a Confederation?

a group of individuals or state governments Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a Constitution?

a formal, written plan of government Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Executive Branch?

to carry out laws Signup and view all the answers

What is Federalism?

a form of government in which power is divided between the federal government and the states Signup and view all the answers

What does Limited Government mean?

a government that can only do what the people allow it to do Signup and view all the answers

What does Popular Sovereignty imply?

that power lies with the people Signup and view all the answers

What is an Amendment?

any change in the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What does Bicameral refer to?

a legislature consisting of two parts, or houses Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

meetings of state delegates in 1787 leading to adoption of a new Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is the Electoral College?

a group of people named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president Signup and view all the answers

What is the Judicial Branch responsible for?

interpreting the laws Signup and view all the answers

What does the Legislative Branch do?

lawmaking branch of government Signup and view all the answers

What does Ratify mean?

to vote approval of Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rule of Law signify?

the principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern Signup and view all the answers

What is the Separation of Powers?

the split of authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches Signup and view all the answers

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

agreement providing that enslaved persons would count as three-fifths of other persons in determining representation in Congress Signup and view all the answers

What were the beliefs of Federalists?

<ul> <li>Federal law should be supreme over state law. - U.S. could not survive without a strong national government; this was needed to protect property rights. - Only a strong national government could solve the country's problem at home and defend its interests abroad.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What were the beliefs of Anti-Federalists?

<ul> <li>New constitution would destroy the liberties won in the American Revolution. - Ignore the rights of the states. - Feared that government would favor the wealthy over the few common people. - New constitution had no Bill of Rights.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

How did Federalists convince Anti-Federalists to ratify the new constitution?

They agreed to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of expressed powers found in Article I?

<ul> <li>Creates the three branches of government. - The number of representatives from each state is based on their population. - Electing Senators. - Impeachment. - Congressional salaries. - Tax laws. - How bills become laws. - Powers of Congress. - Habeas corpus. - Limitations on the states.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What are some checks of the Executive Branch?

<ul> <li>Can veto legislation. - Can appoint judges.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What are some checks of the Judicial Branch?

<ul> <li>Can declare acts of legislature unconstitutional. - Can declare presidential actions unconstitutional.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What are some checks of the Legislative Branch?

<ul> <li>Can impeach presidents. - Can override veto. - Can reject appointments. - Can refuse to approve treaties. - Can impeach judges. - Can reject appointment of judges.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

Who were the leaders of the Federalists?

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay Signup and view all the answers

What are The Federalist Papers?

essays to defend the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What are the six purposes of government outlined in the Preamble?

<ol> <li>To form a more perfect Union. 2. To establish justice. 3. To insure domestic tranquility. 4. To provide for the common defense. 5. To promote the general Welfare. 6. To secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What event is known as Shay's Rebellion?

took place in Massachusetts; farmers owed money because of heavy state taxes; threatened to take his farm to pay his debt; felt citizens should not be punished for a problem that the state created; about 1,200 protesters attacked a federal arsenal; government wondered if they could maintain law and order. Signup and view all the answers

From which documents did Americans get the idea to add a bill of rights to their own new state constitutions?

Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

What was The Great Compromise?

<ul> <li>Committee headed by Roger Sherman from Connecticut. - Congress would have 2 houses (Senate and a House of Representatives). - Senate; each state would have 2 representatives (pleased smaller states). - House; representatives based on the state's population (pleased larger states).</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

How can Popular Sovereignty be practiced?

voting Signup and view all the answers

What compromises were made at the Constitutional Convention?

Trade - Congress could regulate trade between the states and countries but could not tax exports. Congress could also not ban the slave trade before 1808 (20 years). Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of government has the power to declare war?

Legislative Branch Signup and view all the answers

What are some reasons why the national government under the Constitution is stronger than under the Articles?

<ul> <li>Strong central government with certain powers reserved for the states. - Congress has the power to tax, regulate trade, declare war, make national laws, and treaties. - President and Supreme Court. - Two house legislature.</li> </ul> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

to interpret the Constitution in a broad manner Signup and view all the answers

Why was it difficult to amend the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles could not be changed without the agreement of all 13 states. Signup and view all the answers

What is Article IV about?

guarantees the people a republican form of government; explains the relationship of the states to one another and to the national government Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase of the Preamble reflects popular sovereignty?

'We the people' Signup and view all the answers

What courts were created by Article III?

Supreme Court; federal and state courts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Definitions

Anti-Federalists: Opponents of the Constitution's ratification, fearing it threatened individual liberties and state rights.
Article III: Establishes the judicial branch of the U.S. government.
Article V: Outlines the process for amending the Constitution.
Checks and Balances: Mechanism ensuring no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the others.
Confederation: An alliance of independent states or groups.
Constitution: A structured, formal document delineating the framework for government.
Executive Branch: Implements and enforces laws.
Federalism: Distribution of power between national and state governments.
Limited Government: Concept where governmental powers are restricted by law.
Popular Sovereignty: Governance rests with the people’s consent and decision-making.
Amendment: A formal change to the Constitution.
Bicameral: A legislative body with two separate chambers.
Constitutional Convention (1787): Gathering aimed at revising the Articles of Confederation; led to the Constitution's creation.
Electoral College: Group designated by each state to formally elect the president and vice president.
Judicial Branch: Interprets laws and administers justice.
Legislative Branch: Responsible for making laws.
Ratify: Formal approval process, particularly for amendments.
Rule of Law: Legal principle that mandates all individuals are subject to the law.
Separation of Powers: Division of government roles into distinct branches to prevent concentration of power.
Three-Fifths Compromise: Agreement counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths for representation and taxation.

Federalist and Anti-Federalist Beliefs

Federalist Beliefs: Advocated for a strong national government to ensure stability and protection of property rights.
Anti-Federalist Beliefs: Warned the new Constitution jeopardized individual liberties and favored the affluent over ordinary citizens. Criticized the absence of a Bill of Rights.

Constitutional Compromises and Processes

Federalist Strategy for Ratification: Compromise included a promise to add a Bill of Rights.
Great Compromise: Established a bicameral legislature; Senate with equal representation for states and House based on population.
Necessary and Proper Clause: Grants Congress the authority to pass laws necessary to execute its enumerated powers.

Government Structure and Powers

Article I Powers: Defined three branches of government; includes specifics on the legislative process, taxation, and impeachments.
Checks on Executive Branch: Veto power and judicial appointing authority.
Checks on Judicial Branch: Judicial review enabling declaration of unconstitutional acts.
Checks on Legislative Branch: Impeachment powers, treaty approval, and capability to override vetoes.

Historical Context and Influence

Shay's Rebellion: Highlighted weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, showcasing the need for a stronger federal government.
Influence of Historical Documents: Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights provided foundational ideas leading to incorporation of a Bill of Rights in U.S. governance.
Amending the Articles of Confederation: Required unanimous agreement from all 13 states, making changes exceedingly difficult.

Articles and Preamble

Article IV: Discusses inter-state relations, ensuring a republican government in states.
Preamble's Reflection of Popular Sovereignty: "We the people" emphasizes the authority of the citizenry in governance.
Judicial Framework of Article III: Establishes the Supreme Court as well as federal and state judiciary systems.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key terms related to the Constitution in Chapter 3 of the Government course. This quiz includes definitions of important concepts such as Anti-Federalists, Articles, and Checks and Balances. Perfect for students preparing for government exams.