Who are the Federalists?
Supporters of the constitution
- strong central government
- represented large states
- favored the Virginia plan
Who was “Publius” and what did they write?
Federalists John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison wrote 85 essays now known as the Federalists papers.
Acts that were an overreach of British parliament (in order):
- stamp act (taxation without representation)
- declaratory act (legislation without representation)
- Townshed acts (tax on British imports)
- Quartering act (host military without consent)
- Tea act (only British East India co selling tea in colonies - forcing colonies to pay taxes on tea)
- Coercive (Intolerable) act (closed Boston harbor until Boston tea party was paid for)
Why did the anti-federalists oppose the new constitution?
Feared the new constitution would give the central government too much power. That the constitution was a threat to liberty.
What two clauses in particular were anti-federalists worried about.
The Necessary and Proper clause
- Congress can make any law necessary to carry out the powers given to them in the constitution.
The Supremacy clause
- Federal law is above state law
Was the Bill of Rights originally included in the new constitution?
No, the Bill of Rights was a compromise to gain ratification from anti-federalists.
How did Thomas Hobbe’s ideas contribute to the idea of a social contract?
Thomas Hobbes’s (1588–1679) had a fundamentally different rationale for power than the divine right of kings. He thought free men had the right to subject themselves to a ruler who would protect them.
How did John Locke’s ideas contribute to the idea of a social contract?
It was Locke (1632-1704) who introduced the idea that the social contract was conditional on the government’s protection of rights and that it could be revoked if the government failed to hold up its end of the bargain.
Who wrote the declaration of independence?
Thomas Jefferson
4 things to know about the declaration of independence:
- Justified changing power structures in regards to the right to rule
- Gave American citizens inalienable rights
- Blamed the King and Monarchy for breaking the social contract
- Not everyone was considered a citizen
What is mercantilism?
An economic system that sees trade as the basis for the accumulation of wealth
What was the articles of confederation (established by the second Continental congress in 1777 and ratified in 1781)?
The first US constitution that emphasized a weak Central government.
Under the articles of confederation, the national government could not:
- draft soldiers
- tax citizens
- regulate interstate commerce
- establish a central monetary system
The Constitutional Convention was created in an attempt to repair the…
Articles of Confederation
Four key comprises that led to the ratification of the constitution:
- The great compromise (bicameral legislature - 1 based on population, the other equal # of representatives)
- 3/5 compromise (concerning population)
- Acceptance of Bill of Rights (Federalists and anti-feds)
- Federalism
Name 3 significant federalists papers
Paper #10 - concerning factions (now interest groups)
Paper #51 - checks and balances, separation of powers
Paper #84 - Hamilton argues a Bill of Rights is limiting
What does separation of powers refer to?
The three branches of government that have different responsibilities:
- Legislative branch - makes laws
- Executive branch - in charge of executing the law
- Judicial branch - interpreting the law
What does checks and balances mean?
Each branch of gov has the power to limit, or check, the other two branches and restrain some of their actions.
What is popular sovereignty?
principle that power is derived from the people.
What is a republic?
A government where citizens elect representatives to government.
What is the rule of law?
principle that society is governed by law. Even the government must follow laws.
What are concurrent powers?
Powers that both the states and the federal government share.
what are enumerated powers?
The specific powers of Congress as outlined in Article I, section 8 of the constitution.
What are political norms?
Unwritten rules and principles surrounding the constitution.
