Chapter 2 The constitution and the founding

Question 1

Articles of confederation

Answer 1

sent to the states for ratification in 1777, these were the first attempt at a new american government. It was later decided that the Articles of confederation restricted national government too much, and they were replaced by the Constitution

Question 2

limited government

Answer 2

A political system in which the powers of the government are restricted to prevent tyranny by protecting property and individual rights

Question 3

Shays rebellion

Answer 3

an uprising of about 4000 men in Massachusetts in 1786 and 1787 to protest oppressive laws and gain payment of war debts. the unrest prompted calls for a new constituion

Question 4

consent of the governed

Answer 4

the idea that government gains its legitimacy through regular elections in which the people living under that government participate to elect their leaders

Question 5

natural rights

Answer 5

unalienable rights, the declaration of independence defines them as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. The founders believed that upholding these rights should be the government’s central purpose.

Question 6

Federalists

Answer 6

those at the constitutional convention who favored strong national government and system of checks and balances

Question 7

Anti federalist

Answer 7

those at the constitutional convention who favored strong state government and feared that a strong national government would be a threat to individual rights

Question 8

pluralism

Answer 8

the idea that having a variety of parties and interests within a government will stregthen the system ensuring that no group possess total control.

Question 9

parliamentary system

Answer 9

a system of government in which legislative and executive power are closely joined. the legislature (parliament) selects the chief executive (prime minister) who forms the cabinet from members of parliament.

Question 10

Reserved powers

Answer 10

powers that are not given to the national government by the constitution or not prohibited to the states, are reserved by the states or the people

Question 11

national supermacy clause

Answer 11

national laws take precedence over state laws

Question 12

necessary and proper clause

Answer 12

article 1, sec 8, grants congress the power to pass all laws related to its expressed powers also known as the elastic clause.