US Government Foundations Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the Elastic Clause?

The Elastic Clause is the expansion to the constitution that gives Congress the powers they need to fulfill their duties.

Why is the Elastic Clause so important to our Constitution?

It gives Congress rights that without them they could not do their duties.

What was Jefferson's side to the National Bank debate?

He didn't think that it should be in the federal government's power to create a national bank. He also thought that the US should be an agricultural country.

What was Hamilton's side to the debate?

He thought that it should be in the federal government's power to create a national bank. Signup and view all the answers

Which do you think is right?

I think that Jefferson's side is right, because the federal government shouldn't have access to all of your money. Also, I think that agriculture is a very important part of our society then and still is today. Signup and view all the answers

What is Judicial Review?

The power to decide if acts are constitutional or not. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Judicial Review important?

So if something is unconstitutional it won't go against the constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the power of Judicial Review originate from and how?

After the Marbury v. Madison case. Signup and view all the answers

What is the New Jersey Plan?

Favored by smaller states. Said that representation in Congress is equal for all states and state government is more powerful than the national. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Virginia Plan?

Favored by larger states. Said that there would be a more powerful national government and voting is based on population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Great Compromise?

Gave us our Senate to represent equally for all states (NJ) and the House of Representatives for representation based on state population (VA). Signup and view all the answers

What is the 3/5ths Compromise?

Slaves would be counted as 3/5ths of a person. Signup and view all the answers

What is a federalist?

A group of colonial leaders that supported the new Constitution (opposed Articles of Confederation). Signup and view all the answers

What is an anti-federalist?

Colonial leaders opposed to the Constitution (supported the Articles). Signup and view all the answers

What is Limited Government?

The government only has the specific powers given to it by the people. The government and the government officials are NOT 'above the law.' Signup and view all the answers

What is Popular Sovereignty?

The power of the government comes from the people. Signup and view all the answers

What are Delegated Powers?

Powers given specifically to ONLY the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

What are Implied Powers?

Powers not directly stated in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What are Reserved Powers?

Powers granted only to state governments. Signup and view all the answers

What are Concurrent Powers?

Powers shared by both national and state governments. Signup and view all the answers

What are Checks and Balances?

System in which the power of each branch of government is balanced and checked by others so that no single branch becomes too powerful. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Separation of Powers?

The three branches of government's separate powers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Bill of Rights?

First 10 amendments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 13th amendment?

Ended slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 14th amendment?

Citizenship for African-Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 15th amendment?

Voting rights to African American males. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 16th amendment?

Direct Income Tax. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 19th amendment?

Female voting rights (women's suffrage). Signup and view all the answers

What is the 26th amendment?

Lowered voting age from 21 to 18. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 1st amendment?

Freedom of speech, religion, press, petition, and assembly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 2nd amendment?

Right to bear arms. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elastic Clause

Grants Congress the flexibility to fulfill its duties by expanding its powers.
Essential for Congress to perform necessary functions that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

National Bank Debate

Jefferson opposed the creation of a national bank, believing it exceeded federal power and favored an agricultural society.
Hamilton supported the establishment of a national bank under federal authority.

Judicial Review

The authority to determine whether legislative acts are constitutional.
Originated from the Marbury v. Madison case, establishing the judiciary's power to review government actions.

New Jersey vs. Virginia Plans

The New Jersey Plan favored smaller states with equal representation in Congress and stronger state powers.
The Virginia Plan favored larger states, proposing a strong national government with representation based on population.

Great Compromise

Merged elements of the New Jersey and Virginia Plans, creating a bicameral legislature: the Senate (equal representation) and the House of Representatives (population-based representation).

Compromises

The 3/5ths Compromise counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported the new Constitution and opposed the Articles of Confederation.
Anti-Federalists were against the Constitution, favoring the Articles of Confederation.

Government Powers

Limited Government: Federal authority is restricted to powers expressly granted by the people; officials are accountable to the law.
Popular Sovereignty: The government's power originates from the people's consent.
Delegated Powers: Powers specifically granted to the federal government.
Implied Powers: Powers not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but necessary for government operations.
Reserved Powers: Powers exclusively for state governments.
Concurrent Powers: Powers shared by both federal and state governments.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that no single government branch becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the others.

Separation of Powers

Defining distinct powers for the three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Bill of Rights

Comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, safeguarding individual liberties.

Key Amendments

13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
14th Amendment: Granted citizenship to African Americans.
15th Amendment: Ensured voting rights for African American males.
16th Amendment: Authorized a direct income tax.
19th Amendment: Granted women the right to vote.
26th Amendment: Lowered the voting age from 21 to 18.
1st Amendment: Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
2nd Amendment: Affirms the right to bear arms.

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in the foundations of the United States government, including the Elastic Clause, the National Bank Debate, and the principles of judicial review. Explore the significance of the New Jersey and Virginia Plans and the Great Compromise in shaping American governance.