US History: Slave States and Federalism

Questions and Answers

What is the minimum age requirement for someone to become President of the United States?

32 years old

30 years old

35 years old (correct)

40 years old

Which power does the President NOT possess according to Section 2?

Granting pardons

Making treaties

Coining money (correct)

Appointing judges

What is the primary duty of the President regarding the laws of the United States?

To interpret laws

To create new laws

To pass laws with Congress approval

To ensure laws are faithfully executed (correct)

How is the number of electors determined for each state in the Electoral College?

By the number of House members plus Senate members Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the President to make treaties with foreign nations?

A two-thirds majority of the Senate's approval Signup and view all the answers

What action can the President take during a recess of the Senate?

Fill vacancies Signup and view all the answers

What restriction is placed on states in relation to foreign states?

States cannot form treaties or alliances Signup and view all the answers

What role does the President have concerning ambassadors?

To receive ambassadors and public ministers Signup and view all the answers

What is the required voting threshold for Congress to override a presidential veto?

2/3 majority of both chambers Signup and view all the answers

How long do Senate members serve in their terms?

6 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a filibuster in the context of the Senate?

An unlimited debate tactic to delay legislation Signup and view all the answers

What party currently holds the majority in the Senate?

Democratic Party Signup and view all the answers

How often are elections held for the House of Representatives?

Every two years Signup and view all the answers

What must happen for the Senate to invoke cloture?

60 out of 100 senators must agree Signup and view all the answers

How many House members represent Alabama, given its population of 5 million?

7 Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant economic reliance of the Southern states during this period?

Slavery Signup and view all the answers

What compromise allowed for the southern states' representation in Congress while addressing slavery?

3/5ths Compromise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following identifies a concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution?

Too much power for the federal government Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the Constitution contributes to its effectiveness and longevity?

Brevity and clarity Signup and view all the answers

What did the Constitution address regarding the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Establishing a uniform currency Signup and view all the answers

What was one problem with the way the Constitution was written and adopted?

It was created in secret by a select group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers does the Constitution grant the federal government?

Regulate commerce between states Signup and view all the answers

Which issue did the Anti-Federalists successfully influence during the ratification of the Constitution?

Inclusion of the Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily used to determine good committee assignments and leadership positions in the House of Representatives?

Seniority Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of being part of a political party?

Party policies may not align with constituents' preferences Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the second most powerful person in the federal government?

Speaker of the House Signup and view all the answers

What role does the House Majority Leader play?

Decides on party legislation and coordinates legislative efforts Signup and view all the answers

What function do House whips serve?

They count votes and ensure party loyalty among members Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding party caucuses?

They are official meetings to decide on leadership and policy positions. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage can party loyalty provide to a member of Congress?

Preferential treatment for committee assignments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Speaker of the House related to legislation?

Assigns new bills to committees for review Signup and view all the answers

Who holds the most power in the Senate?

Senate Majority Leader Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of standing committees in Congress?

To study bills on specific topics and make recommendations Signup and view all the answers

Which position is held by Chuck Schumer?

Senate Majority Leader Signup and view all the answers

What power do committees in Congress have regarding a bill?

They can kill a bill before it reaches the floor for debate. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Vice President play in the Senate?

Can preside over the Senate whenever she chooses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the House Majority Whip?

The Whip ensures party discipline and counts votes. Signup and view all the answers

What type of committees are known for being permanent in Congress?

Standing Committees Signup and view all the answers

Which committee is NOT considered one of the most powerful in the Senate?

Agriculture Committee Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Slave States and Slavery's Context

Northern states had a larger population compared to Southern states.
The Southern economy was heavily reliant on slavery.
Slavery's unpopularity was rising in Northern states, with some outright abolishing it.
Southern states feared potential abolition of slavery.
Northern states required Southern states’ ratification of the Constitution.
3/5ths Compromise established a method for counting slaves for representation, ending slave trade in 1808.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists favored the Constitution and a stronger federal government.
- Prominent Federalists included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, known for The Federalist Papers.
Anti-Federalists opposed increased federal power and demanded guarantees for individual liberties.
- Key Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Samuel Adams.
The Federalists ultimately succeeded, leading to the Constitution's ratification, while Anti-Federalists were instrumental in the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.

Functions of the Constitution

Separation of Powers established three branches of government.
- Legislative Branch: Responsible for making laws.
Checks and Balances system to prevent one branch from overpowering others.
Bill of Rights guarantees individual liberties.
The Constitution is concise, consisting of seven articles and 27 amendments, maintaining clarity over time.
It addresses issues from the Articles of Confederation, empowering the federal government to:
- Regulate interstate commerce without state tariffs.
- Collect taxes and enact laws that override state laws.
- Print a unified currency and maintain a powerful executive branch.
- Create a permanent federal judiciary and simplify amendment processes.

Criticisms of the Constitution

The Constitution was drafted and adopted in secrecy by the elite, excluding women and marginalized groups.
States had to accept the Constitution without input, with the exception of the Bill of Rights.
Minimal political power for average citizens, only electing House members directly.
Certain clauses, like the Elastic Clause, allowed for varied interpretations.

Key Articles and Presidential Powers

Section 10 details prohibited actions for states, including forming treaties and coining money.
Article Two outlines the Executive Branch:
- President and Vice President serve four-year terms, must be natural-born citizens, 35 years old, and residents for 14 years.
- The Electoral College determines presidential elections; if no majority, the House selects the president.
Presidential powers include being Commander in Chief, granting pardons, making treaties (with Senate approval), and appointing federal officials.
Presidential duties involve enforcing laws, convening Congress, and receiving ambassadors.

Structure of Congress

Congress comprises 435 House members and 100 senators.
2020 U.S. population was approximately 331 million, with roughly 761,000 citizens per House district.
Current House political makeup: 220 Republicans, 211 Democrats, and four vacancies.
Senate party breakdown: 49 Republicans, 46 Democrats, and four independents (caucusing with Democrats).

Congressional Terms and Procedure

House members serve two-year terms to maintain accountability to constituents.
Senate members serve six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years.
In the House, debate can be stopped by a majority vote; in the Senate, unlimited debate is possible, leading to filibusters.
To end a filibuster, 60 senators must agree to invoke cloture.

Political Party Dynamics

Political parties assist with campaign funding, research, and committee assignments.
Party loyalty can lead to favorable treatment in committee assignments and allocation of federal grants.
Disadvantages of party affiliation include potential alignment conflicts with constituents' preferences.

Leadership in the House of Representatives

Seniority is crucial for influential committee appointments and leadership positions.
The Speaker of the House is a key figure who oversees committee appointments and legislative scheduling.
- Current Speaker: Mike Johnson
- Majority Leader: Steve Scalise
- Minority Leader: Hakeem Jeffries

Leadership in the Senate

The Vice President presides over the Senate, with the President Pro Tempore serving in their absence.
Senate Majority Leader holds significant influence over legislative processes and appointments.
- Current Majority Leader: Chuck Schumer
- Minority Leader: Mitch McConnell

Committee Structure in Congress

Standing committees are permanent and hold significant power to influence legislation.
- Powerful House committees include Appropriations, Budget, and Rules; Senate includes Armed Services, Finance, and Foreign Relations.
Committees can kill, modify, or highlight bills before a full chamber debate.
Members of Congress often focus on constituent services through local offices and staff in Washington, D.C.

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Description

Explore the dynamics between the slave states of the South and the Northern states during the formation of the United States. This quiz covers key topics such as the economy's reliance on slavery, the 3/5ths Compromise, and the ideological divide between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Test your understanding of this critical period in American history.