Understanding Our Government

Understanding Our
Government

By: Haley Sortzi-Buonassisi & Alex Manis

Chapter 1: Declaration of Independence

Congress adopted it on July 4, 1776.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the rough draft.
The committee showed the final draft to
Congress on June 28, 1776.
Signed on August 2
Document showed they were taking their
independence from Britain.

Chapter 2: Connecticut Compromise

Agreement that the Senate would have equal representation, and
the House of Representatives would have proportional
representation.

The larger states believed that representation should be based
proportionally on the contribution each state made to the nation’s
finances and defense.

The smaller states believed that the only fair plan was one of equal
representation.

The compromise proposed by Sherman and Ellsworth provided for
a dual system of representation.

In the Senate, all states would have the same number of seats.

Amendments to the compromise based representation in the House
on total white population and three-fifths of the black population.

Chapter 3: Separation of Powers

Means that the three branches of government
are separated.

It is meant to keep people safe.

Helped spread power out and equalize who has
control over what.

Makes it so different powers can override things
too.

Each part had different jobs and things that they
could do.

Chapter 4: Articles of Confederation

It took several drafts.

It conducted diplomacy with foreign nations,
and deal with territorial issues and Native
American relations.

It adopted trade restrictions, established and
maintained an army, issued fiat money, created
a military code and negotiated with foreign
governments.

Chapter 5: 3 Branches of Government

Executive Branch- President-4-8 years.

Legislative Branch- Two houses of Congress,
Senate-2-6 years, and House of Representatives-
2-6 years.

Judicial Branch- Judges-lifetime.

Legislative makes laws, Executive carries out
laws, Judicial evaluates laws.

Executive branch also has Vice President and
Cabinet.

Chapter 6: Three-Fifths Compromise

It was for the black population.
All slaves of a particular state are to be counted
as three-fifths of a white person.

Chapter 7: Sovereignty

It is talked about in the tenth amendment.

To give power to the people first instead of
government.

Right for the states to be independent and
federal government to be independent.They still
must be able to work together.

Chapter 8: Federalists

The supporters of the proposed Constitution
called themselves Federalists.

A federalist is a person who advocates or
supports a system of government in which
several states unite under a central authority.

Chapter 9: Bill of Rights

Is the first ten amendments.

The 1-4 amendments protect rights that
everyone have.

The 5-6 amendments protect the rights of those
accused of crimes.

The 7-8 amendments protect the rights of the
accused and guilty.

The 9-10 amendments protect unnamed rights
of the people and the states.

Chapter 10: Amendments

1st: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of
Press, Freedom of Assembly, and Freedom to Petition the
Government.

2nd: Right to bear Arms.

3rd: No quartering of soldiers.

4th: No unreasonable searches.

5th: Rights to due process of law, No Double Jeopardy, does
not have to testify against themselves.

6th: Right to a speedy and public trial.

7th: Right to a jury.

8th: Freedom from excessive bail and cruel unusual
punishments.

9th: Other rights of the people.