History Test Flashcards
(32 cards)
What documents did Americans look to when creating a new government?
the Magna Carta and The English Bill of Rights.
What were two weaknesses of the new national government under the Articles of Confederation?
It was too weak and that the states couldn’t be taxed or required to send soldiers.
What was the purpose of the Land Ordinance of 1785?
to set up a system for surveying and dividing western lands.
What important rights did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 provide?
civil liberties, required public education, and the abolishment of slavery/or forced labor.
What problems did the United States have with Great Britain under the Articles of Confederation?
The problems the United States had with Great Britain under the Articles of Confederation is that Britain closed off many of its ports to American ships and made them pay high tariffs to many goods(rice, tobacco, tar, and oil).
What led to Shays’s Rebellion?
Shay’s rebellion was caused by Massachusetts’ tax policy, which taxed land. Also, with farmers being unable to pay the taxes, farmers had to sell their land, serve terms in prison, or be sold to labor.
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
The purpose of the Constitutional Convention was to improve the Articles of Confederation
What were the Federalists’ main arguments in favor of the Constitution?
The Federalists’s main argument in favor of the Constitution was that the new federal government would not overpower the states with diversity, as shown in the Federalist Papers.
What were the Antifederalists” main fears regarding the Constitution?
The Anti-Federalists’ main fears regarding the Constitution was that the Constitution did not have a section that guaranteed individual rights or that it gave the central government too much power.
Which branch of government is responsible for creating the authority to tax?
The branch of government that is responsible for creating the authority to tax is Congress.
Which branch of government has the power to declare war?
Congress
Which branch of government has the power to command the armed forces?
The President.
Who has the power to make treaties with foreign countries
The President
What are the requirements for becoming a member of the House of Representatives?
25 years of age. U.S. citizen for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.
Who nominates Supreme Court Justices? How long is the term of a federal court judge?
The President nominates Supreme Court Justices, with only being able to be removed by impeachment, death, retirement, or conviction. They can be a Supreme Court Justice for the rest of their lives.
How many representatives does each state get in the House of Representatives? For a total of 435. How long is their term?
Each state gets as many representatives in the House of Representatives based on population. Their term is 2 years.
How many senators does each state get in the Senate For a total of 100? How long is their term?
Each state gets 2 senators in the Senate. Their term is 6 years.
What is a census? How often is census taken?
The census is a way to know how many people are in each state. The census is taken every 10 years.
Who actually elects the president?
The President is elected by the Electoral College, a process where people that represent states formally cast votes for the President and Vice President.
How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency
To win the presidency, a candidate must get 270 or more electoral votes.
. How many electors does each state get?
Each state gets as many electors as Representatives and Senators in the United States Congress
If for some reason the president and vice president are unable to serve who are the next 3 in order of succession?
The Speaker of the House. President Pro Tempore, and Secretary of State are the next 3 in order of Succession.
How does the president check the Legislative Branch?
The President checks the Legislative Branch by adjourning Congress in certain situations and vetoing bills.
How does Congress check the President?
Congress check the President by rejecting appointments, rejecting treaties, withhold funding for presidential initiatives, impeaching a president, or overriding a veto.
