Unit 4. Experiments in Government

1. Describe what Bi-Cameral means

• 2 houses of government

• House or Representatives (Based on population)

• Senate (2 per state)

2. In New York state, what 2 bodies “checked” each other?

3. List 3 things the Articles of Confederation accomplished.

4. Why was this form of government considered weak?

• Weak central/national government

• Couldn’t tax

• Couldn’t raise a military

• States were like ‘I’m new jersey, we do what we want!!”

5. Describe what Shay’s rebellion was

• 1786- an “army” of 1,000 farmers marched into town and shut down the government.

• They were unhappy with their taxes

• Shows how weak the government was.

6. Describe the “Great Compromise.”

• Big States • (with lots of people) • Government

representation should be based on population

• People = votes

• Small States • Each state should

have the same amount of representation

• 1 state, 1 vote

Great Compromise

• Senate

• 2 reps per state

• (100 total)

• House of representatives

• 1 rep per 450,000 in population

• (435 total)

Great Compromise

• Government representation will have “2 houses”

7. Explain the issue of the 3/5ths compromise.

• How should slaves be counted for representation in government?

7. Explain the issue of the 3/5ths compromise.

• South: • Slaves should count

as population

• North: • Slaves should count

for nothing, they can’t vote!

7. Explain the issue of the 3/5ths compromise.

• Compromise

• Slaves = 3/5 of a person – 3/5 for votes in government – 3/5 for taxation

8. Define: Federalism

• Power is divided between the states and the federal government

9. Explain how representative government works

• Voters elect leaders

10. What are the 3 branches our Government is separated into?

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

10. What are the 3 branches our Government is separated into?

• 1. Legislative: writes laws

• Senate, House of Reps

10. What are the 3 branches our Government is separated into?

• 2. Executive branch (PRESIDENT)– Enforces laws

10. What are the 3 branches our Government is separated into?

• 3. Judicial (Courts supreme court) – Interprets laws

11. How do checks and balances work?

• Each branch has powers to make sure the others don’t’ get too powerful

Examples: checks and balances

• Executive Branch Checks on the Legislative Branch

• President has the power to veto laws passed by the Congress

Examples: checks and balances

• Legislative Branch Checks on the Executive Branch

• Congress can overturn a Presidential veto with a 2/3 vote of both houses

Examples: checks and balances

• Judicial Branch Checks on the Executive Branch

• Supreme Court can use the power of judicial review to rule laws unconstitutional

12. What is the elastic clause? Why was this a good idea?

• Congress has the power to stretch its powers to meet new situations

• Laws regarding new technology

• Speed Limits (No cars in 1776)

7. Through what process can our Constitution be changed?

• Amendment process

Constitution of the United States of America:

14. Describe article 1 of the constitution

• Sets up the legislative Branch

15. Explain what article 2 of the constitution establishes

• Sets up the executive Branch

16. What does the first amendment of the constitution protect?

• Individual Rights

• Freedom of…– Speech– Religion– Assembly

9. Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?