Principles of the Constitution Review

Government 22.2: During the debate over the Constitution, James Madison made this argument in an essay we now call The Federalist 45:

“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.”

Which principle best describes Madison’s argument about the federal government? HINT: As you do this question try to highlight the words or phrases in the quote that help you decide which principle to choose.

•  Popular Sovereignty

• Checks and Balances

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

Government 22.1: Which of the following answer choices correctly defines the principle of federalism?

• People are the source of the government’s power.

• The Constitution limits the actions of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have.

• The voters hold the sovereign power and elect leaders to represent them in government.

• In this government system, power is divided between national and state governments.

Government 22.3: Which of the following answer choices correctly defines the principle of republicanism?

• The voters hold the sovereign power and elect leaders to represent them in government.

• The Constitution limits the actions of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have.

• Each of the three branches of government has its own responsibilities.

• Each branch of government holds some control over the other two branches.

Government 22.3: Which of the following answer choices correctly defines the principle of popular sovereignty?

• People are the source of the government’s power.

• The Constitution limits the actions of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have.

• The voters hold the sovereign power and elect leaders to represent them in government.

• In this government system, power is divided between national and state governments.

Government 22.4:  In The Federalist 39, James Madison explained this:

“The House of Representatives, like that of one branch at least of all the State legislatures, is elected immediately by the great body of the people. The Senate, like the present Congress, and the Senate of Maryland, derives its appointment indirectly from the people. The President is indirectly derived from the choice of the people, according to the example in most of the States. Even the judges, with all other officers of the Union, will, as in the several States, be the choice, though a remote choice, of the people themselves.”

Which principle best describes Madison’s argument about the federal government?

HINT: Highlight the words or phrases that help you decide which principle to choose.

•  Popular Sovereignty

• Federalism

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

Government 22.5: Which of the following answer choices correctly defines the principle of separation of powers?

• The Constitution limits the actions of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have.

• In this government system, power is divided between national and state governments.

• Each of the three branches of government has its own responsibilities.

• Each branch of government holds some control over the other two branches.

Government 22.6: George Mason was among the group of Anti-Federalists that were opposed to the Constitution. Here’s his view about the role of the Vice President:

“That unnecessary officer the Vice-President, who for want of other employment is made president of the Senate, thereby dangerously blending the executive and legislative powers...”

Which principle best describes Mason’s concern?

HINT: Highlight the words or phrases that help you decide which principle to choose.

•  Popular Sovereignty

• Checks and Balances

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

Government 22.7: Which of the following answer choices correctly defines the principle of checks and balances?

• Each of the three branches of government has its own responsibilities.

• Each branch of government holds some control over the other two branches.

• In this government system, power is divided between national and state governments.

• The Constitution limits the actions of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have.

Government 22.8:  In The Federalist 48, James Madison made this argument:

“Unless [the three branches] be so far connected and blended as to give to each a constitutional control over the others, the degree of separation ... essential to a free government, can never in practice be duly maintained.”

Which principle best describes what Madison is explaining?

HINT: Highlight the words or phrases that help you decide which principle to choose.

•  Popular Sovereignty

• Checks and Balances

• Limited Government

• Separation of Powers

Government 23.1: Which of the following answer choices correctly defines the principle of individual rights?

• The Constitution limits the actions of government by specifically listing powers it does and does not have.

• People are the source of the government’s power.

• Basic liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

• In this government system, power is divided between national and state governments.