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Questions and Answers
What was one of the greatest failures of the Articles of Confederation?
Which of the following traits are commonly associated with a liberal democracy?
How did the Federalists view the proposed Constitution compared to the Anti-Federalists?
What principle is illustrated by the separation of powers within the government?
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What is a significant concern that led to the Constitutional Convention?
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What is the process for amending the Constitution?
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What is the impeachment process in the House vs. the Senate?
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What are the traits of a liberal democracy?
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What are the principles of the Constitution?
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What is John Locke's social contract theory?
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What is the Declaration of Sentiments?
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What kind of government was intended by the Framers?
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What are the main differences between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
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What is Federalist No. 10 about?
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What were the key points made by Anti-Federalists, particularly Brutus?
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What did Washington's farewell address say about factions?
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What is considered the greatest failure of the Articles of Confederation?
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What concerns led to the Constitutional Convention?
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What are the differences between government under the Articles and the Constitution?
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How did national government power change under the Constitution compared to the Articles?
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What replaced the Articles of Confederation?
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What is a bicameral Congress?
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How do branches of government check each other?
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What is the federal system?
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What is federalism?
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What is the difference between separation of powers and division of powers?
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What does the Reserved Powers Amendment (10th Amendment) state?
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What are the criteria for voting eligibility?
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Study Notes
The Articles of Confederation
- The inability of the central government to effectively tax was a major weakness.
Liberal Democracy Traits
- Free and fair elections
- Protection of individual rights
- Limited government power
- Rule of law
- Separation of powers, including an independent judiciary
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
- Federalists supported the proposed Constitution, believing it created a strong national government necessary for stability and prosperity.
- Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, fearing it would lead to tyranny and a loss of individual liberties.
Separation of Powers
- The principle of dividing government power into distinct branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) is a cornerstone of checks and balances.
Constitutional Convention Concerns
- Weak national government under the Articles of Confederation
- Economic instability and disputes between states
- Fear of a powerful central government
- Unfair representation in the government
Amending the Constitution
- Proposed by a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or by a national convention called by two-thirds of the states.
- Ratified by a three-fourths vote of the state legislatures or by special state conventions called by three-fourths of the states.
Impeachment Process
- House of Representatives initiates impeachment by a majority vote.
- Senate conducts a trial and requires a two-thirds majority vote to convict.
Traits of a Liberal Democracy
- Guaranteed individual rights
- Free and fair elections
- Accountable government
- Limited government power
- Rule of law
Principles of the Constitution
- Popular Sovereignty: Government derives its power from the consent of the governed.
- Limited Government: Government power is restricted by the Constitution.
- Separation of Powers: Government power is divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Checks and Balances: Each branch of government can check the power of the others.
- Federalism: Power is divided between the national and state governments.
John Locke's Social Contract Theory
- Individuals consent to give up some of their natural rights in exchange for the protection and benefits of government.
- Government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
Declaration of Sentiments
- A document written by Elizabeth Cady Stanton in 1848 that advocated for women's rights and equality.
- Influenced by the Declaration of Independence, it argued that women are equal to men.
Government Intended by the Framers
- A representative republic, with power divided between the national and state governments.
Federalists and Anti-Federalists Key Differences
- Federalists: Favored a strong national government, supported the Constitution as it was proposed.
- Anti-Federalists: Favored a weaker national government, wanted a Bill of Rights added for individual protections.
Federalist No. 10
- Explores the problem of factions, groups that can threaten the rights of others.
- Argues a large republic with diverse interests can manage factions more effectively than a small republic.
Brutus' Key Points
- Wrote anti-Federalist papers warning about the excessive power of the national government, arguing it would threaten individual liberties.
- Concerned about the potential for tyranny and the distance between the people and their representatives.
Washington's Farewell Address on Factions
- Warned against the dangers of political parties (factions), arguing they can divide the nation and weaken its government.
- Urged citizens to prioritize national unity and avoid sectionalism.
Greatest Failure of the Articles of Confederation
- Inability of the central government to effectively tax led to economic instability and disputes between states.
Concerns Leading to the Constitutional Convention
- Weak national government under the Articles of Confederation.
- Economic instability and disputes between states.
- Unfair representation in the government.
Differences between Articles and Constitution
- Articles: Weak central government, limited power to tax or regulate commerce.
- Constitution: Created a stronger national government with greater control over the economy.
National Government Power Changes with the Constitution
- Shift in power from states to the national government.
- Greater authority to tax and regulate commerce.
- Increased ability to enforce laws and resolve disputes.
The Constitution Replaced the Articles
- The Constitution was ratified by the states, replacing the Articles of Confederation as the governing document of the United States.
Bicameral Congress
- Two-house legislative body: Senate and House of Representatives.
Checks and Balances
- Each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other two branches.
- Examples: Presidential veto of legislation, Congress's power to impeach the president, judicial review of laws.
Federal System
- Power is shared between a national government and state governments.
- States retain significant power and autonomy.
- Known as federalism, this balance reflects the principles of the Constitution.
Separation of Powers vs. Division of Powers
- Separation of powers: Government power is divided into different branches (legislative, executive, judicial).
- Division of powers: Government power is divided between national and state governments.
Reserved Powers Amendment (10th Amendment)
- Any powers not specifically delegated to the national government or denied to the states are reserved to the states or the people.
Voting Eligibility
- The Constitution does not set specific eligibility requirements for voting, leaving this primarily to states.
- Over time, qualifications have changed, expanding suffrage, including for Black Americans, women, and those in specific age ranges.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Articles of Confederation and the principles that shaped the Constitution of the United States. This quiz covers important concepts including liberal democracy, the views of Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and the separation of powers. Challenge yourself on key historical insights and the significant concerns that prompted the Constitutional Convention.
