US Government and Constitution Quiz

Declaration of Independence

• Drafted in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson, it proclaimed the 13 American colonies' separation from British rule.
• Key principles include natural rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• Asserted the idea of government by consent of the governed.

Articles of Confederation

• Ratified in 1781, it established the first national government in the U.S.
• Created a weak central government; states retained most powers.
• Lacked the ability to levy taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws.

Compromises at the Constitutional Convention

• The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature balancing representation.
• Three-fifths Compromise counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation.
• Slave Trade Compromise allowed the importation of slaves until 1808.

Major Plans Introduced at the Constitutional Convention

• Virginia Plan proposed a strong central government with representation based on population.
• New Jersey Plan favored a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.
• Both plans influenced the final Constitution, integrating federal and state interests.

Federalists vs Antifederalists

• Federalists supported a strong central government and the Constitution (e.g., Hamilton, Madison).
• Antifederalists feared loss of state power and individual rights, advocating for a Bill of Rights.
• The debate led to the eventual inclusion of the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

Georgia vs US Constitution and Government

• Georgia's constitution influenced the development of federal structures, emphasizing property rights.
• Key issues included representation, governance structure, and state sovereignty in the context of federal supremacy.

Articles of Confederation vs Constitution (Major Differences)

• Constitution created a stronger federal government with a system of checks and balances.
• The new framework included an executive branch, unlike the Articles.
• The Constitution allowed for more direct federal power to tax and regulate commerce.

Amending Process

• Article V outlines the process: requires two-thirds of Congress or a convention called by two-thirds of states.
• Ratification requires approval from three-fourths of state legislatures or conventions.
• Designed to ensure amendments reflect broad consensus.

Conservative vs Liberal / Locke vs Hobbes

• Conservatives generally prioritize tradition, moral order, and limited government intervention.
• Liberals focus on equality, social justice, and government responsibility to provide for citizens.
• John Locke advocated for natural rights and government accountability, while Thomas Hobbes emphasized strong government control to prevent chaos.

Powers that Be (Enumerated vs Concurrent vs Reserved)

• Enumerated powers are specifically granted to the federal government (e.g., regulating interstate commerce).
• Concurrent powers are shared by both federal and state governments (e.g., taxation).
• Reserved powers are not specifically granted to the federal government and are kept by states under the Tenth Amendment.

Clauses and Checks and Balances

• Supremacy Clause asserts federal law takes precedence over state law.
• Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to make laws deemed necessary to exercise its powers.
• Full Faith and Credit Clause mandates states respect each other's laws and judicial proceedings.
• Commerce Clause gives Congress authority to regulate trade between states.

New Deal and The Great Society

• The New Deal, initiated by FDR, aimed to address the Great Depression through economic reforms and government programs.
• The Great Society, proposed by LBJ, focused on eliminating poverty and racial injustice through legislation.
• Both movements expanded the federal government’s role in economic and social issues.

Important Supreme Court Cases

• Wickard v. Filburn: Expanded Congress's power under the Commerce Clause, ruling that personal wheat consumption affected interstate commerce.
• Gibbons v. Ogden: Established the federal government’s authority to regulate interstate commerce over state laws.
• McCulloch v. Maryland: Confirmed federal supremacy and the implied powers of Congress, allowing for a national bank.

This quiz covers essential facts about pivotal documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. Additional topics include compromises at the Constitutional Convention, major plans, and the comparison between Federalists and Antifederalists. Test your understanding of the differences between the Articles and the Constitution, as well as the amending process and contrasting political theories.