Government Post Test Review
Articles of Confederation
• State governments had the most power.
• National government could sign treaties and
issue money, but could not levy taxes.
• Were created by Confederation Congress.
• Virginia Plan provided framework for national
government.
Weaknesses of A of C
• National government was weak, State
governments had too much power.
• National government couldn’t levy taxes
• Only created one branch (Legislative)
Constitution
• Constitutional Convention held in
Philadelphia, PA.
• The “supreme law of the land” is the
Constitution, national laws and treaties.
• James Madison known as the “Father of the
Constitution”.
• African Americans, Native Americans and
women were not represented.
Constitution:
• Know the key elements of
the Constitution and what
was different from the A
of C: USE BRAINPOP
SHEETS TO STUDY THIS
• 3 branches were outlines,
not just Legislative
(Judicial, Legislative and
Executive).
• Individual Rights
• Republicanism
• Popular Sovereignty
•
•
•
•
Federalism
Separation of powers
Checks and balances
Limited Government
**CONSTITUTION created a
more balanced system of
checks and balances by
creating 3 branches and
balancing states’ and
federal rights.
Bill Of Rights
• 1st ten amendments to the constitution.
• Many states wouldn’t sign the constitution
without them.
• The writers of the Constitution wanted to
protect people’s personal freedom and rights.
• Many people believed they were needed to
limit the power of the national government.
• Virginia and New York wanted them added.
Bill of Rights:
• http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill
_of_rights_transcript.html
Federalism:
• Means power is shared between the central
government (national) and the states.
Three-Fifths Compromise
• Framers designed a slave was only 3/5 of a
person when counted for taxation and
representation.
Things to Know:
• The Electoral College
chooses the President of
the U.S.
• The House and Senate
make up U.S. Congress.
• The Legislative branch has
the power to pass laws.
• The President has the
power to veto (stop) a
new bill.
• Congress holds the power
to declare war.
• The division of power in
the U.S. government is
called the separation of
powers.
• Members of the Supreme
Court are appointed by
the President and
confirmed by the Senate.