Government Unit Test Review 1

Questions and Answers

How did Enlightenment thinkers approach the study of government?

by taking a secular view

What does the concept of checks and balances ensure?

each branch of government has the ability to limit the power of the others

What term describes rights that are basic rights to which all humans are entitled?

Natural

Which statement best describes a government in which there is no separation of powers?

One person rules and has absolute power. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is not guaranteed under the Articles of Confederation?

A merchant could always use the same currency in Connecticut and Georgia. Signup and view all the answers

What agreement did the delegates reach regarding enslaved people and representation with the Three-Fifths Compromise?

They were partially counted in the census Signup and view all the answers

This passage from the English Bill of Rights led to the protection of which right?

the freedom of speech Signup and view all the answers

Which was an area of weakness in the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?

legislative power Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the New Jersey Plan?

to support the interests of the smaller states Signup and view all the answers

During the Constitutional Convention, small states did not want their representation based on?

Population. Signup and view all the answers

Under the Articles of Confederation, why was the national government unable to raise revenue? Check all that apply.

It lacked the power to tax. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Three-Fifths Compromise is accurate?

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a temporary solution to a long-term political issue. Signup and view all the answers

If leaders wanted to create a government that is more effective than the government under the Articles of Confederation, which is the most important idea that should be embraced?

The federal government cannot be weak Signup and view all the answers

What was Washington warning against?

having a single ruler Signup and view all the answers

What was Thomas Paine's solution in 'Common Sense'?

declaring independence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Enlightenment Thinkers and Government

Enlightenment thinkers studied government from a secular perspective, emphasizing reason and individual rights.

Checks and Balances

The system of checks and balances ensures that each government branch can limit the powers of the others, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.

Natural Rights

Natural rights refer to those fundamental rights inherent to all humans, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Government Without Separation of Powers

A government lacking separation of powers typically results in one individual holding absolute power, leading to authoritarian rule.

Articles of Confederation Limitations

Under the Articles of Confederation, it was not guaranteed that a merchant could use the same currency across different states, such as Connecticut and Georgia.

Three-Fifths Compromise

The Three-Fifths Compromise allowed enslaved individuals to be partially counted in population censuses, impacting representation in Congress.

English Bill of Rights

The English Bill of Rights contributed to the establishment of the right to freedom of speech, reinforcing the importance of individual expression.

Articles of Confederation Weaknesses

One significant weakness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation was its limited legislative power, hindering effective governance.

New Jersey Plan Objectives

The New Jersey Plan aimed to protect the interests of smaller states by advocating for equal representation regardless of population size.

Representation Concerns at the Constitutional Convention

During the Constitutional Convention, smaller states opposed representation that was based on population, fearing domination by larger states.

Fiscal Challenges Under the Articles of Confederation

The national government struggled to raise revenue due to various factors, including lack of authority to tax and reliance on state contributions.

Nature of the Three-Fifths Compromise

The Three-Fifths Compromise served as a temporary resolution to the ongoing political conflict over the representation of enslaved people.

Government Effectiveness Post-Articles of Confederation

Moving beyond the Articles of Confederation necessitated a stronger federal government to ensure effective governance and address national issues.

Washington's Warning

George Washington cautioned against establishing a government with a single ruler, advocating for a balanced system that prevents authoritarianism.

Thomas Paine's Radical Solutions

In "Common Sense," Thomas Paine advocated for declaring independence from Britain, pushing for a more assertive approach than the First Continental Congress had considered.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Prepare for your government unit test with this comprehensive flashcard review. The flashcards cover essential concepts such as Enlightenment thinkers, checks and balances, and natural rights. Use them to reinforce your understanding and improve your test-taking confidence.