Study Guide Part I
For each of the following words, create a flashcard with index cards or typing paper. On one side
write the term; on the other side, write the definition and/or why the term is significant to our studies.
3/5 Compromise
Concurrent Powers
Popular Sovereignty
Amendment
Constitution
Ratify
Anti-federalists
Expressed Powers
Reserved powers
Bicameral
Federalists
Rule of law
Checks and Balances
Great Compromise
Study Guide Part II
For each of the following words, create a flashcard with index cards or typing paper. On one side
write the question; on the other side, write the answer in relation to our studies.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Why did the new United States government have debt?
Why was the Constitutional Convention closed to the public?
Why is the separation of powers important?
What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
What are the six purposes of government listed in the preamble?
Explain the phrase “consent of the governed.” Why is it significant to you as a citizen?
New Jersey Plan
Virginia Plan
Great Compromise
Executive branch
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
What did it
say?
Why did some
dislike it?
Primary
responsibility
Main
Leader/Group
that makes up
this branch
Other notes to study:


Checks and Balances/Separation of Powers Chart
Federalism Venn diagram
Study Guide Part I - Answers
For each of the following words, create a flashcard with index cards or typing paper. On one side
write the term; on the other side, write the definition and/or why the term is significant to our studies.
3/5 Compromise
Amendment
Anti-federalists
Bicameral
Checks and
Balances
Concurrent Powers
Constitution
Expressed powers
Federalists
Great Compromise
Popular Sovereignty
Ratify
Reserved powers
Rule of law
A written change to the Constitution; one of the three ways of changing the
Constitution
A group of people that were against the passing of the Constitution
A two house legislations
A system that keeps one branch of government from becoming too powerful
by providing checks on each branches powers
Powers that are shared by the state and national government
A written plan of government
Powers that are given to the national government; also known as delegated
powers
Group that were some of the main authors of the Constitution as it was initially
written
The compromise at the Constitutional Convention that was an agreement
between the New Jersey plan and the Virginia Plan; made a bicameral
legislature
Consent of the governed
To approve
Powers that are given to the state governments
Study Guide Part II
For each of the following words, create a flashcard with index cards or typing paper. On one side
write the question; on the other side, write the answer in relation to our studies.
1. Why did the new United States government have debt?
The colonists/United States had borrowed money from foreign allies during the Revolutionary War.
They also had not allowed for the power to tax
2. Why was the Constitutional Convention closed to the public?
To relieve pressure from the delegate to speak openly in the meeting and to do what they
thought was the right thing
3. Why is the separation of powers important?
Separation of powers is important because it divides the power among the three branches and
keeps one branch from becoming too powerful
4. What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
To revise the Articles of Confederation because they were too weak
5. What are the six purposes of government listed in the preamble?


form a more perfect union
establish justice




insure domestic traquility
provide for the common defense
promote the general welfare
secure the blessing of liberty
6. Explain the phrase “consent of the governed.” Why is it significant to you as a citizen?
Consent of the governed is the phrase to describe popular sovereignty. It gives the power of to
the citizens through voting and elections. It is significant to us as citizens because it gives us a
voice in government through voting. We can choose or not choose to give someone the
opportunity to represent us.
New Jersey Plan




What did it
say?

One house legislature
Representation in
legislature equal for all
states
Created new plan of
government
Three branches of
government
Fair representation of
states in legislature
Virginia Plan





Two house legislature
Representations in
legislature was based
on states’ population
Created new plan of
government
Three branches of
government
Fair representation of
states in legislature
Great Compromise




Why did some
dislike it?
It favored smaller states
It favored larger states
with higher populations
Executive branch
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
Writing laws
Interpreting laws
Congress
Supreme Court
Primary
Enforcing laws
responsibility
Main
Leader/Group
President
that makes up
this branch
Other notes to study:


Two house legislature
o Senate
representation
would be based
on equality for
all states
o House of
Representatives:
Representations
in legislature
was based on
states’
population
Created new plan of
government
Three branches of
government
Fair representation of
states in legislature
Checks and Balances/Separation of Powers Chart
Federalism Venn diagram