Government Review Chapter 12 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the supremacy clause and why is it important?

The supremacy clause makes the Constitution and all laws on treaties approved by Congress the supreme law of the land. It is important because it requires judges in state courts to follow the Constitution or federal laws and treaties in case of conflict with state laws.

How does the Constitution balance state powers with powers granted to the national government?

It includes phrases that set forth the powers and limitations of the national government over citizens and state governments.

How did the delegates at the Philadelphia Convention deal with the issue of slavery?

They left out the words slave and slavery, while several provisions in the Constitution protect the institution.

What powers did the national government have over state governments and the people?

The national government can make or change election procedures, call the militia into national service, create a new state, and guarantee a Republican Form of Government for each state. Signup and view all the answers

What limits did the delegates place on the national government?

The national government may not suspend the writ of habeas corpus except during rebellion or invasion, may not pass ex post facto laws or bills of attainder, and may not suspend the right to trial by jury in criminal cases. Signup and view all the answers

What limits did the delegates place on state governments?

State governments may not coin their own money, pass laws that violate contracts, make ex post facto laws or bills of attainder, or enter into treaties with foreign nations or declare war. Signup and view all the answers

How did slavery affect the distribution of national and state powers?

Many states viewed slaves as state property, leading some states to argue they should be handled like all other matters related to property rights. Signup and view all the answers

What issues did the Philadelphia Convention leave unaddressed?

The convention left unaddressed the right of states to secede or withdraw from the United States after ratifying the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Supremacy Clause

Establishes the Constitution and approved treaties as the supreme law of the land.
Requires state judges to adhere to the Constitution over conflicting state laws.

Balancing Powers

The Constitution includes phrases outlining powers and limitations for both the national and state governments.
Ensures a balance between federal authority and state rights.

Slavery and the Philadelphia Convention

Delegates intentionally omitted terms like "slave" while embedding provisions that protected slavery.
Aimed to create a balanced stance on the contentious issue of slavery.

National Government Powers

Congress can regulate the timing, places, and methods of congressional elections.
Has the authority to mobilize the militia and create new states.
Guarantees every state a Republican Form of Government.

Limits on National Government

Cannot suspend the writ of habeas corpus except during rebellion or invasion.
Prohibited from enacting ex post facto laws and bills of attainder.
Must uphold the right to trial by jury in criminal cases.

Limits on State Governments

States cannot issue their own currency.
Not allowed to pass laws that violate contracts.
Prohibited from creating ex post facto laws or bills of attainder.
Cannot enter into treaties with foreign nations or declare war.

Impact of Slavery on Power Distribution

Slavery influenced the view of slaves as state property, leading to debates on property rights among states.

Unaddressed Issues from the Convention

States retain the right to secede from the Union after ratifying the Constitution.

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 12 of government studies with these flashcards. Explore important topics such as the supremacy clause and the balance of power within the Constitution. Perfect for quick reviews and enhancing your understanding of governmental principles.