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Harcourt Social Studis chp 10
constitution
184
History
5th Grade
03/29/2009

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Term

What is a conclusion?

Definition
It is a broad statement about an idea or event.  It is reached by using what you learn from reading and apply what you already know.
Term
What is a constitution?
Definition
It is the basic law of our nation
Term
When the convention finally opened, where did the delegates meet?
Definition
Pennsylvania State House which later became known as Indpenedance Hall
Term
Who was Daniel Shays?
Definition
In Jan 1787, he led a mob of farmers to take over a Massachuttes arsanal.
Term
What is an arsenal?
Definition
Weapon Storehouse
Term
What rebellion led people to think that the national government could not keep order to protect the people.
Definition
Shays Rebellion
Term
Who was sent to stop Shay's rebellion?
Definition
the government sent soldiers
Term
Who argued that the country needed a stronger national government?
Definition
James Madison of Virginia
Term
Every state had a ______ but there was no national leader.
Definition
governor
Term
Who wanted to keep the articles as they were because America had fought in a war because they did not want a strong national government?
Definition
Patrick Henry
Term
Why did some people want a stronger national government?
Definition
Because there was no single national leader, to pass any law 9 states had to agree, and there was no national court system to help settle disputes.
Term
Who was chosen to be President of Constitutional Convention?
Definition
George Wahington
Term
Were the discussion in the Constitutional Convention began were they open or private?
Definition
They were private. Windows were covered and guards were at the door.
Term
Who was from Virgina that asked the delegates to do away with the Articles of Confederation and write a new plan of government?
Definition
Edmund Randolph
Term
Who was decided to share power in the federal system?
Definition
National and state governments would share power
Term
who would have power over matters that affected the nation as a whole?
Definition
National government
Term
What became the supreme law of the land?
Definition
Constitution
Term
What is a republic?
Definition
It is where people choose represenatives to run the government
Term
What was the Virginia plan?
Definition
Congress would have 2 parts or houses.
Term
In the Virginia Plan how many representatives would states have in the houses?
Definition
Number would be based on that states population. States with more people would have more votes in Congrss. THis plan favored large states such as Virigina, Massachutes, and Pennsylvania
Term
Who thought of the Jersey Plan?
Definition
William Paterson of New Jersey
Term
Why didn't some people like the Jersey plan?
Definition
Because small states worried that the plan would give large states control of congress
Term
What was the New Jersey Plan?
Definition
Congress would have 1 house and each state would be equally represented. Small states would have the same number of representatives as large states
Term
What is compromise?
Definition
Where each side would give up something they wanted.
Term
What was the Connecticut Compromise?
Definition
Based on idea of 2 house congress. In one house, representation would be based on population of the state, in the other house, representation would be equally representated
Term
In the Connecticut compromise which house could submit a bill?
Definition
Either house
Term
What is a bill?
Definition
An idea for a new law
Term
Which house could submit a tax bill?
Definition
Only the house based on representation
Term
What was the Great Compromise?
Definition
Congress would be 2 houses. 1 based on population, 1 based on a equal number. Only the house based on population could propose a tax bill
Term
How did delegates settle the issue of representation in Congress?
Definition
They compromised. 1 house would be based on population, the other house would have an equal number of representatives from each state
Term
Who wanted to count enslaved persons as part of their population
Definition
Southern states because they had the greatest number of enslaved persons
Term
Who did not want slaves to be counted for representation?
Definition
Northern states. They did not want them counted because they were not allowed to vote and enslaved people did not have any other rights of citizenship.
Term
What was the compromise on slavery representation?
Definition
The delegates agreed to count three-fifths of the total number of slaves in each state toward the number of representatives.
Term
Who stated that slavery was "the curse of heaven on the states where it prevailed"
Definition
Gouveneaur Morris
Term
Why were delegates worried if congress outlawed slavery?
Definition
The delgates were worried the southern states would not approve the constitution
Term
What did the delgates decide about slavery?
Definition
Their compromise was that Congress could not stop states from importing enslaved people from other countries before 1808.
Term
What happened with the slave trade in 1808?
Definition
Congress banned the slave trade with other countries, but enslaved people could still be bought and sold within the US
Term
What issue was settled when delegates agreed to the three-fifths compromise?
Definition
The issue over whether or not enslaved people would count as population for reprsentation in congress.
Term
What resolved many issues over representation in Congress?
Definition
The Great Compromise
Term
How was a new plan of government developed at the Constitituional Convention?
Definition
the Articles of Confederation were thrown out and a new plan was written
Term
How are "federal System" and "repulic" related?
Definition
the federal system is the government and the republic is the that people choose representatives to run the government
Term
How did the makers of the constitution tr to fix some of the problems with the Articles of Confederation?
Definition
They compromised
Term
What are the steps in reaching a compromise?
Definition
1. Identify problem
2. have both sides explain what they want
3. Think of possible compromises. Choose one that both sides agree upon
4. Try the compromise.
Term
What is the preamble of the constition?
Definition
The introduction
Term
Who was chosen to write the preamble?
Definition
Gouverneaur Morris
Term
WHat was the purpose of the constitution?
Definition
To explain the basic functions of the US government
Term
What braches does the Constitution divide the federal government into?
Definition
Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, the Judicial Branch
Term
What is seperation of power?
Definition
To keep one branch from controlling the government. They wanted to create a government with limited powers
Term
Article 1 of the constitution explains what?
Definition
The legislative branch
Term
What is the legislative branch?
Definition
The lawmaking branch
Term
What powers were given to Congress (legislative branch)
Definition
Raising an army and navy, delcaring war, coining and printing money, make laws that control commerence (trade)
Term
How many houses was Congress under the consititution?
Definition
2 houses
Term
What were the 2 houses in Congress?
Definition
House of Representatives
SEnate
Term
What had to happen in order for a bill to become a law?
Definition
A majority in each house had to vote for it (house of representatives and Senate)
Term
What were citizens given the power to do?
Definition
vote for member of House of Representatives
Term
Who would chose members of the senate?
Definition
They would be chosen by their state legislatures
Term
Today, who votes for both house of representatives and Senate?
Definition
Citizens
Term
What would the total number of representatives from each state depend upon?
Definition
Each states population
Term
Today, what is the total number of representatives from the House of representatives limited too?
Definition
435 (this number is divided up between all states based on each states population)
Term
How many senators (for the Senate) does each state have?
Definition
2
Term
According to Article 1 of the Constitution what is the term limit for the House of Representatives?
Definition
2 years
Term
Under Article 1, what is the term limit for Senators (Senate)
Definition
6 years
Term
What article of the consititon says power to enforce laws is given to the Executive branch?
Definition
Article II
Term
What is the group of electors who vote for the President called?
Definition
Electoral College
Term
Who votes for the President?
Definition
Citizens vote for electors, who then vote for the president
Term
How old does a person have to be to be elected president and where did they have to be born?
Definition
35 years old and born in the United States
Term
How long must have the president lived in the US before becoming president?
Definition
14 years
Term
What is the term limit for President?
Definition
4 years
Term
WHat were the presidents powers?
Definition
veto or reject bills passed by Congress, but Congress could override a veto with a 2/3 vote
Term
What is a veto?
Definition
When the president rejects a bill
Term
What can congress do if a president vetos their bill?
Definition
If 2/3 of Congress votes to accept the bill, the bill still becomes law
Term
Who is commander in chief of military?
Definition
President
Term
What is the PResidents main power?
Definition
To take care that the laws be faithfully executed
Term
What is impeach?
Definition
It is when congress accuses the president of crimes. If found guilty, then the president could be removed from office
Term
Why were the delgates careful to preserve the seperation of power?
Definition
to keep one branch from controlling the government
Term
What branch is covered under Article III of the constitution?
Definition
Judical branch
Term
What is the Judical branch?
Definition
Court system
Term
who decides whether laws work fairly?
Definition
Judical branch
Term
What would the judical branch deal with?
Definition
decide cases that dealt with the Constitution, treaties, and national laws. They would also decide cases between states and citizens of different states
Term
What is the highest court in the nation?
Definition
Supreme Court
Term
What court heads the judicial branch?
Definition
Supreme court
Term
Who would nominate the supreme court justices (or judges)?
Definition
The president
Term
Who would vote whether to approve the nominations for the supreme court judges
Definition
Congress
Term
What is the term for supreme court justices or judges?
Definition
Life -- They could make decisions without worrying about losing their jobs
Term
How many supreme court judges were there at the beginning and how many are there now.
Definition
6 -- beginning
9 -- now
Term
Who has the power to strike down any law that goes against the constitituion?
Definition
Supreme Court
Term
What is the only way that Congress can restore a law struck down by the supreme court?
Definition
congress can only change the constitution to restore a law.
Term
What is an amendment?
Definition
It is a change to the constitution
Term
How can amendments be proposed?
Definition
By a 2/3 vote in Congress or by a national convention called for by 2/3 of the states and approved by Congress
Term
How many states must approve an amendent in order for it to pass?
Definition
3/4 of the states
Term
How does the supreme court limit the power of congress?
Definition
The supreme court can strike down any law that goes against the constitution
Term
What is the seperation of powers?
Definition
Each branch of government is given different powers to keep one branch from controlling the government
Term
How many delegates did not sign the constitution at the convention?
Definition
3
Term
Article VII said how many states had to ratify the constituion before it became law?
Definition
9 of the 13 states
Term
What is ratify?
Definition
Approve
Term
What would adding a bill of rights to the Constituion do?
Definition
It would make more delegates willing to sign the constitition.
Term
What were citizens who favored the constitituion called?
Definition
Federalists
Term
What were the people who disagreed with federalists called?
Definition
Anti Federalists
Term
What helped change the anti-federalists mind about approving the constitition?
Definition
The Bill of Rights
Term
What was the first state to ratify the constitituion?
Definition
Delaware
Term
What was the last state to ratify the constitution?
Definition
Rhode Island
Term
What was added to the constitituion to protec the rights of the people?
Definition
Bill of Rights
Term
What does the first amendment give the right to do?
Definition
Freedom to follow any religion or none at all
Term
What does the 2nd amendment do?
Definition
Gives people the right to have weapons
Term
What does the third amendment do?
Definition
Government cannot make people have soldiers in their house
Term
What does the fourth amendment do?
Definition
protects people against unfair searches
Term
What do the fifth through eight amendments deal with?
Definition
The due process of law
Term
What is the due process of law?
Definition
People have the right to a fair trial. they have the right to speak to a lawyer and do not have to speak against themselves
Term
What is the ninth amendment?
Definition
People have other rights not listed in the constitution
Term
What is the tenth amendment?
Definition
government can only do the things listed in the constitution
Term
What is reserved powers?
Definition
All other authority, not in constitution, belongs to the states or to the people
Term
What does the bill of rights protects?
Definition
It protects the people in the minority. The majority cannot take away their rights
Term
Why is the bill of rights important?
Definition
It protects the rights of people.
Term
Who became the nations first president in 1789?
Definition
George Washington
Term
Who was the first vice-president?
Definition
John Adams
Term
What did George Washington set up to advise him?
Definition
Cabinet -- State Department, treasury department, war department
Term
What is a group that tries to elect officials who will support it's policies?
Definition
Political party
Term
Who wanted a stronger central government?
Definition
Alexander Hamilton
Term
Who wanted less central government?
Definition
Thomas Jefferson
Term
When some wanted stronger government and some wanted less central government what was created?
Definition
Political Party
Term
Where was the federal government in the beginning and where did it soon move to?
Definition
Philadelphia and it moved to Washington D.C.
Term
How many terms did George Washington serve?
Definition
Two terms
Term
What happened as a result of George Washington only serving two terms?
Definition
He set the example for future presidents. Most only held 2 terms
Term
Who became the 2nd president?
Definition
John Adams
Term
Why is it necessary for a president to have a cabinet?
Definition
Because the president doesn't have all the answers. He needs these advisors to give him information to help him make decisions
Term
who was the first President to live in the White House?
Definition
John Adams
Term
What is the average number of people who live in an area?
Definition
Population density
Term
What is checks and balances?
Definition
It is a system that keeps any one branch from becoming too powerful or misuing it's authority
Term
What is a union?
Definition
It is an alliance that works to reach common goals
Term
Who can rule a presidents actions are unconstitutional?
Definition
Judical Branch
Term
Who nominates supreme court justices?
Definition
Executive branch
Term
Who makes up the executive branch?
Definition
President
Term
WHo makes up the legislative branch?
Definition
Congress (divided into house of representatives and senate)
Term
Who can veto a bill passed by congress?
Definition
President
Term
Who can override a presidents veto?
Definition
LEgislative branch
Term
Who carries out or enforces laws?
Definition
Executive Branch
Term
Who manages the government? (what branch)
Definition
Executive Branch
Term
Who passes taxes and approves treaties?
Definition
Legislative branch
Term
Who decides whether or not laws are constitutional>
Definition
Judicial branch
Term
What are some responsibilities of state government?
Definition
build and manage highways, parks, public schools, and state colleges and universities
Term
What keeps the federal government from favoring one state over another?
Definition
The constitution
Term
What are some things that a state cannot do?
Definition
Print money, raise armies or make treaties with other countries
Term
What are some shared powers of the state and national government?
Definition
collect taxes, set up courts, establish banks, borrow money, make laws for public welfare
Term
How many levels of government are there in the US
Definition
3 levels: national government, state government, local government
Term
What do many local governments have?
Definition
mayor
Term
What is our system of government based upon?
Definition
Democracy
Term
What is popular sovereignty?
Definition
The government gets it's power from the people
Term
What is a democracy?
Definition
Where people rule and are free to make choices about their lives
Term
What is a public agenda?
Definition
What people want from their government
Term
What is suffrage?
Definition
Right to vote
Term
Who did not have suffrage at the beginning?
Definition
Woman did not have the right to vote
Term
What amendment gave women the right to vote
Definition
19th amendment
Term
What amendment lowered the voting age from 21 years old to 18 years old?
Definition
Twenty-Sixth Amendment
Term
Why is voting an important responsibility of citizens?
Definition
It is their right. If voters do not like laws they can elect leaders who they think will change the laws
Term
What is civic virtue?
Definition
Qualities that add to a healthy democracy
Term
What are some responsbilities of a citizen?
Definition
To obey laws, serve on juries, pay taes, register for selective service.
Term
Who are automatically citizens of the US?
Definition
People who are born here
Term
What is a way to ensure that elected officials regularly change?
Definition
Term limits. Amendment passed that president can only serve 2 terms
Term
What is naturalization?
Definition
Immigrants to the US can become citizens through this process
Term
How old must a person be who is applying for citizenshipo?
Definition
18 years old
Term
How long must a person have lived in US before becoming a citizen?
Definition
5 years or 3 years if they are married to a US citizen
Term
What must people pass in order to become a citizen?
Definition
A test of US government and history, must be able to read and write English. Must take an oath promising their alliances
Term
What is a government made up of representatives chosen by the people?
Definition
Repulic
Term
What is to accuse the president of crimes?
Definition
Impeach
Term
What is to approve?
Definition
Ratify
Term
What is to change?
Definition
Amendment
Term
What is applying laws equally to every person?
Definition
Rule of law
Term
What is giving up some of what you want?
Definition
Compromise
Term
What is the right to a fair trial?
Definition
Due process of law
Term
What is the idea that the government gets its power from the people?
Definition
Popular Sovereignty
Term
Who wrote the preamble to the constitituion?
Definition
Gouverneur Morris
Term
What does the first amendment protect?
Definition
The right of freedom of speech and religion
Term
Who destroyed debt records?
Definition
Shays rebellion
Term
What is the lawmaking branch of government?
Definition
Legislative Branch
Term
what is a justice?
Definition
judge
Term
What is an amendment
Definition
Change to constitituion
Term
Who was a free African American who helped plan the nations capital?
Definition
Benjamin Banneker
Term
Who didn't think a PResident should hold power for life?
Definition
George Washington
Term
When was the first time the US changed leaders?
Definition
When John ADams was elected 2nd president
Term
What is an alliance that works to reach a common goal?
Definition
Union
Term
What is it called when people rule and are due to make choices about their lives?
Definition
Democracy
Term
What is what people want from their government?
Definition
Public Agenda
Term
What is having qualities that add to a healthy deomocracy?
Definition
Civic Virtue
Term
Who must register for selective service when they turn 18 years old?
Definition
Males (this is registering for a draft)
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