Declaration of IndependenceArticles of ConfederationConstitution 14th Amendment

Colonists grievances against GB Written primarily by Jefferson Adopted July 4, 1776

Enlightenment InfluenceHobbes state of natureRousseau Social Contractde Montesquieu separation of powersLocke

John LockeNatural RightsConsent of the Governed/Popular SovereigntyLimited Govtlife, liberty, and property

OverviewFirst document to govern USAdopted 1777, ratified in 1781Confederate govt league of friendship and perpetual union StrengthsPermanent union of statesCongress establishedDecentralization assured no recreation of GBExpanded middle class; not all power w/eliteSpread of equality and democratic ideals

WeaknessesCongress few powers No power to taxNo power to raise militaryNo interstate commerce or common currencyNo Prez or national court systemPower in states

Aborted Annapolis MeetingAttempt to change AoC September 1786Only 12 delegates from 5 statesCalled for meeting in May 1787 to further discuss changes - Constitutional Convention

Attendees55 men from 12 of 13 statesWealthy planters & merchantsCollege graduates with some political experienceFrom coastal areas & larger cities (not rural)Enlightenment Comes to Life Important ideas Economics (main)Human naturePreservation of propertyEquality (slavery; 3/5 Compromise)Individual rights

Political & Voting Equality Left to StatesEquality of RepresentationNew Jersey Planequal representation in statesVirginia Planpopulation-based representationConnecticut Compromise (the Great Compromise)

Individual Rights Written into ConstitutionSuspension of writ of habeas corpusNo bills of attainderNo ex post facto lawsReligious qualifications for holding office prohibitedStrict rules of evidence for conviction of treasonRight to trial by jury in criminal casesIndividual Rights Not SpecifiedFreedom of speech and expressionRights of the accused

Which of these was NOT among John Lockes key philosophical concepts?A) limited governmentB) natural rightsC) consent of the governedD) property rightsE) checks and balances

Under the Articles of Confederation, most power rested with theA) the British Parliament.B) president.C) United States Senate.D) state legislatures.E) Continental Congress.

Which of the following was NOT a problem with the national government under the Articles of Confederation?A) the threat of some of the Continental Army to establish George Washington as kingB) the lack of power given to state legislaturesC) the lack of an executive to lead the nationD) the inability of the central national government to regulate foreign trade or regulate the national economyE) the unwillingness of the states to send money requisitioned by the central national government

Most of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention regarded what as the greatest threat to government?A) factionsB) kingsC) slavesD) foreign adversariesE) charismatic leaders

The Connecticut Compromise at the Constitutional ConventionA) resolved the impasse between those who favored the New Jersey Plan and those who preferred the Virginia Plan.B) added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution in order to lessen concerns about too much power for the new government.C) settled the dispute over whether slavery should be allowed in the final constitution.D) threw out the idea of having a monarchy in the United States, opting instead for an indirectly elected president.E) involved all of these elements

Hobbes wrote Leviathan; man primal; must create social contract w/govt to live in civil society Rousseau legitimate state of authority derived from consent of governed

*Natural rights opposite of divine right theory (absolute rulers of Europe); rights inherent in human beings; not dependent on govt

Consent of governed govt derives authority by sanction of people; states legitimacy created by consent of governed

Limited Govt restrictions should be placed on govt to protect natural rights of citizens*After Revolution power/economic shift in state legislatures from wealthy to middle class (landowners, farmers, merchants)*Post Rev War depression major economic concentration*Answer: E*Answer: D*Answer: B*Answer: A*Answer: A*