Foundational Documents

Question 1

Brutus 1

Answer 1

Opponent of the new Constitution
- Fear of anarchy by losing state power
- Dislikes Necessary and Proper Clause and Supremacy Clause
- Large size of nation leads to people far from the central government going unheard
- Differing political opinions could lead to an ineffective government

Question 2

Federalist 10

Answer 2

Supporter of Factions
- removing factions infringes on rights
- forming a republic controls the effects of factions/partiality of legislators
- republics combat majority rule by reaching more people

Question 3

Federalist 51

Answer 3

Supporter of Separation of Powers
- Legslative branch will naturally have more power but be divided within itself
- No branch can defy constitution and act in self-interest
- men naturally act in self-interest
- Checks include separate elections, veto by executive, no holding multiple offices

Question 4

Federalist 70

Answer 4

Powers of the President
- Should appear energetic to reflect nation’s success
- Singularity represents unity
- 4-year term keeps them for the interest of the people
- Does not debate laws; this would create chaos; only signs/vetoes bills
- Makes decisive decisions in an emergency

Question 5

Federalist 78

Answer 5

Judicial Branch
- The weakest branch: cannot legislate, contradict the Constitution, cannot arrest people
- Has the power to nullify unconstitutional acts passed by Congress
- Remains non-partisan on legislative matters; combination with legisaltive or executive branch is too powerful
- Holds power for life; unaffected by partisanship
- lifelong terms create stability unless they fall out of good behavior

Question 6

Declaration of Independence

Answer 6

• Natural rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
• All men are created equal
• Social Contract/Consent of the Governed

Question 7

Constitution of the US

Answer 7

• Popular Sovereignty
• Separation of Powers
• Checks and Balances
• Articles of Government
• Bill of Rights
• Congress declares war and raises revenue; President is Commander in Chief; SCOTUS keeps other branches in check

Question 8

Articles of the Confederation

Answer 8

• Each state had powers not explicitly delegated to the central government
• One-house Congress
• Unable to resolve state disputes, enforce treaties, manage debts, Shay’s Rebellion

Question 9

Name them all

Answer 9

Brutus 1
Federalist 10
Federalist 51
Federalist 70
Federalist 78
Declaration of Independence
Article of the Confederation
Constitution of the US