US Government Principles and Slavery Issues

What principle of government emphasizes that power belongs to the people?

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

What is required for an amendment to be added to the Constitution?

Which group opposed the ratification of the Constitution over concerns about individual rights?

Which process was utilized to address the contentious issue of representation of enslaved individuals in the government?

Which principle of government specifically refers to the division of responsibilities among different branches?

Which group was primarily concerned about the potential for a strong central government undermining individual liberties?

What was the minimum number of states required for ratification of the Constitution?

What does the process of checks and balances ensure within the government?

What was the significance of the Bill of Rights ratified in 1791?

Slavery Issues

The Three-Fifths Compromise allowed slave trade to continue until 1807.
This compromise had specific characteristics.

Structure of the New Government

Principles of Government

Popular Sovereignty: Power belongs to the people, and they vote.
Republicanism: Elected representatives represent the people.
Federalism: Division of power between state and national governments.
Separation of Powers: Three branches of government (Legislative, Executive, Judicial).
- Legislative: Makes laws (Congress).
- Executive: Enforces laws (President).
- Judicial: Interprets laws (courts).

Checks and Balances

Each branch monitors and limits the powers of other branches.

Amending the Constitution

Requires a 2/3 vote in Congress and approval by 3/4 of the states.

Ratification and the Bill of Rights

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists: Supported the Constitution, ratification, and believed individual rights were protected.
Anti-Federalists: Opposed ratification and demanded a Bill of Rights to protect individual rights.
Key Authors: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay.

Ratification Process

9 of 13 states needed to ratify the Constitution.
First state: Delaware, Ninth state: New Hampshire, Last state: Rhode Island.

Bill of Rights (1791)

First 10 Amendments to the Constitution.
Protect individual liberties.

This quiz covers key principles of the US government, including popular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, and the separation of powers. It also addresses historical issues related to slavery, such as the Three-Fifths Compromise and the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Test your knowledge of these foundational concepts and their implications in American history.