U.S. Constitution & Federalism

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Questions and Answers

How did the structure of government under the Articles of Confederation contribute to its ineffectiveness?

It lacked a strong central authority, leading to disunity and an inability to enforce laws effectively.

Explain how Shays' Rebellion exposed critical weaknesses within the Articles of Confederation.

It revealed the government's inability to effectively suppress domestic uprisings due to lack of centralized military power.

How did the views of Washington and Jefferson differ regarding the immediate aftermath and significance of Shays' Rebellion?

Washington was more alarmed by the rebellion, viewing it as a sign of anarchy, while Jefferson initially saw it as a necessary expression of liberty.

What was James Madison's primary contribution to the Constitutional Convention, and why was it significant?

His Virginia Plan laid the groundwork for the Constitution, advocating for a strong national government with representation based on population. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did the philosophies of Locke and Montesquieu influence the drafting of the Constitution?

Locke's ideas on natural rights influenced the inclusion of fundamental freedoms, while Montesquieu's concept of separation of powers shaped the structure of the government. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the concept of federalism addresses the division of powers between state and national governments.

Federalism divides powers between a national government and state governments, with some powers delegated to the national government, others reserved for the states, and some concurrent. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between delegated, reserved, and concurrent powers within the U.S. federal system, providing an example of each.

Delegated powers are for the federal government (e.g., declaring war), reserved powers for the states (e.g., education), and concurrent powers are shared (e.g., taxation). Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, and explain how the Great Compromise resolved the conflict between them.

The Virginia Plan favored larger states with proportional representation, while the New Jersey Plan favored equal representation for all states; the Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature with both. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise, and why was it included in the Constitution?

It counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation, included to appease Southern states and gain their support for the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Outline the main purposes of the Preamble to the Constitution.

It introduces the Constitution, states its broad purposes, and indicates the source of its authority (the people). Signup and view all the answers

Briefly summarize the primary focus of each of the first three articles of the Constitution.

Article I establishes the legislative branch, Article II the executive branch, and Article III the judicial branch. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of checks and balances, and provide an example of how one branch of government can check the power of another.

It prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful by giving the other branches certain oversight functions; e.g., the President can veto laws passed by Congress. Signup and view all the answers

How does the principle of separation of powers contribute to a balanced government?

It divides governmental authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, preventing any single branch from wielding absolute power. Signup and view all the answers

Define popular sovereignty, and explain how it is reflected in the U.S. Constitution.

Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power; it is reflected in the Constitution through the election of representatives. Signup and view all the answers

How is the principle of republicanism manifested in the structure of the U.S. government?

Republicanism is manifested through elected representatives making decisions on behalf of the citizens, rather than direct democracy. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of limited government, and how the Constitution embodies this principle.

Limited government is the principle that governmental power is restricted by law, usually in a written constitution; the U.S. Constitution lists specific powers granted to the government and reserves all others to the states or the people. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process for amending the Constitution, and explain why it was designed to be a challenging process.

Amendments require proposal by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or a national convention called by two-thirds of the states, followed by ratification by three-fourths of the state legislatures or conventions; it was designed to be challenging to prevent frequent or easily manipulated changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bill of Rights, and why was it added to the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms to individuals; it was added to address concerns about the potential for government overreach and to ensure individual liberties were protected. Signup and view all the answers

Analyze the inherent tension between individual liberties and the need for a strong central government, as debated during the formation of the Constitution.

Some feared a strong central government would infringe on individual rights, leading to demands for the Bill of Rights; others argued a strong government was necessary for stability and order. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the debates and compromises during the Constitutional Convention reflect the diverse interests and values of the states involved.

The debates over representation, slavery, and federalism reflect the conflicting economic, social, and political interests of the states, requiring compromises to achieve consensus. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Federalism

A system that divides powers between a central government and state governments.

Delegated Powers

Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government, nor denied to the states, are reserved to the states or the people.