1. Chapter 2 Review Questions
The Constitution

2. Idealistic view of human rights
How did the authors of the U.S. Constitution view human rights & human nature?
Idealistic view of human rights
Endowed by creator & inalienable
Life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness
Realistic view of human nature
Hasty, passionate, short sighted
Even the best & the brightest

3. How did the preceding experiments in national government fail?
In the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses?
De facto confederal system
Central government too weak
No executive or judicial branches
In the Articles of Confederation?
De jure confederal system

4. What were the two basic goals of the Constitutional Convention?
Strengthen national government
Federal system
Presidential system
Safeguard against abuse of new powers
Internal controls
Fragment power & representation
Divide, separate, overlap
External controls
Popular sovereignty
Pluralistic society

5. Basic compromises of the Constitution: large v. small states
Connecticut Compromise
Federal (not unitary or confederal) system
Bicameral national legislature
Chief executive
Form: single v. plural
Selection: by Congress, Electoral College, or people
Term length and limits
Removal

6. Basic compromises of the U.S. Constitution: north v. south
Foreign trade
Imports
Exports
Slavery
3/5’s compromise
Electoral College
Expansion into territories
Fugitive slaves

7. Two built-in problems:
How did the Founders give us a “more perfect union” -- but not a perfect one?
Two built-in problems:
Delay & gridlock
Dilution of responsiblity
Major failures:
African Americans
Native Americans
Japanese Americans
Women

8. Summary
How did the authors of the Constitution view human rights & human nature?
Why did the preceding experiments in national government fail?
What were the basic goals and compromises of the Constitutional Convention?
How did the Founders give us a “more perfect union” -- but not a perfect one?