Chapter 2 Review Questions The Constitution

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?