The Constitution & The Bill of Rights

The​ (a)   were supporters of the new Constitution. While the​ (b)   were opposed to the stronger government as they thought it would not protect individual and states rights.

• Federalist
• Anti-federalist
• Republican
• Democrat
• Jeffersonians
• Whigs

Answer explanation

Federalist = FOR the Constitution

Anti-Federalist = AGAINST the Constitution

Read the following excerpt from The Federalist Papers:

"If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary." - Federalist No. 51

What is the primary purpose of this statement by James Madison?

• To emphasize the importance of having a powerful, centralized government

• To argue that the government must be designed to control the governed and itself

• To suggest that humans are capable of self-governance without any form of government

• To advocate for a government run by morally superior leaders

Answer explanation

Federalist were fans of a stronger central government. In Federalist 51 Madison is trying to persuade people that the Constitution (a stronger government) is needed.

Read the following excerpt from The Federalist Papers:

"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny." - Federalist No. 47

Based on the following quote from The Federalist Papers, what idea is James Madison supporting?

• The necessity of a strong central government

• The importance of limiting government powers through separation of powers

• The need for a unified and powerful executive branch

• The idea that only elected officials should hold government power

Answer explanation

This phrasing highlights the central theme of Madison's argument, which is the support for the separation of powers to prevent tyranny and protect liberty.

"This government will set out a moderate aristocracy: it is at present impossible to foresee whether it will, in its operation, produce a monarchy, or a corrupt, oppressive aristocracy; it will most probably vibrate some years between the two, and then terminate in the one or the other." - Brutus No. 1

Based on this passage which do you think would best describe this author?

• Federalist

• Antifederalist

Match what each branch is with its description / power.

Groups:

(a) Legislative Branch

,

(b) Executive Branch

,

(c) Judicial Branch

• Enforces Laws

• Congress

• Makes Laws

• Supreme Court

• President

• Judges Laws

What is one of the key powers of the Judiciary?

• Checks the constitutionality of laws and Executive actions.

• Makes laws and enforces Executive actions.

• Decides all legislative matters.

• Presides over all Congressional meetings

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Articles of Confederation

,

(b) U.S. Constitution

• Stronger Central Government

• "Firm League of Friendship"

• Required 3/4 of state to ratify amendments

• Had three branches

• Needed an unanimous vote to radify amendments.

• Only had a Legislative Branch

• "More perfect Union"

• One house, each state one vote

• Two houses, different votes

• Weak Central Government

In this excerpt, Hamilton is referencing what principle of the new Constitution?

• Federalism

• Republicanism

• Popular Sovereignty

• Separation of Powers

Answer explanation

Simplified Question: How does this excerpt from Hamilton's writing connect to a key idea in the Constitution?

Correct Answer: Separation of Powers

In this excerpt, Hamilton is talking about how the Constitution divides power into different parts to keep any one part from becoming too strong. He says the courts are the least likely to abuse power because they can't make laws or control the military or money. This idea is called Separation of Powers.

Test-Taking Tip: When reading historical texts, focus on the main idea. Hamilton is explaining why it's important to divide power in government. Understanding this concept, called Separation of Powers, helps you grasp the purpose of the Constitution's structure.

Which Enlightenment figure would MOST support the ideas in this passage?

• Ben Franklin

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Montesquieu

• John Locke

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: Montesquieu

Explanation: Montesquieu was a French philosopher who articulated the theory of separation of powers in his work "The Spirit of the Laws." This theory posits that to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power, the executive, legislative, and judicial powers should be distinct and balanced against each other. The passage emphasizes the roles of these branches and the judiciary's position as the least dangerous to political rights, aligning closely with Montesquieu's views on the separation of powers as a means to safeguard liberty and prevent tyranny.

Match the following Constitutional Concepts

• "Necessary and Proper Clause"

• Implied Powers

• System to balance power

• Expressed Powers

• Powers not explicitly stated

• Checks & Balances

• Powers specifically listed

• Federalism

• System of sharing powers

• Elastic Clause