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a loose confederation (union) of independent states and a week general central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments

It was a start but was too weak to be effective

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12 states sent 55 delegates to meet in Philadelphia, they disregarded Congress’ mandate to revise the Articles of Confederation based on state sovereignty, instead 4 months later with a completely new governing document the constitution

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Those who supported the Constitution and a stronger national republic

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Argued against the expansion of national power.

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Congress would be split in 2 houses

House of Reps- the # of a states representative would depend on population

Senate- each state would have equal representation

•   Voters choose who to elect for House of Representative

•   State Legislatures choose senators

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It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America and the Federal Government of the United States.

•   It provides the framework for the organization of the United States

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Government power resides from the consent of the people

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Each branch of the government has some measure of influence over the other branches and may choose to block procedures of the other branches.

•   Prevent any one branch from accumulating too much power and encourage cooperation between branches as well as debate on controversial policies.

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Rights and Protections Guaranteed in the Bill of Rights

Freedom of speech.

Freedom of the press.

Freedom of religion.

Freedom of assembly.

Right to petition the government.

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Bill of Rights was added to satisfy those weary of a strong central government and to protect basic freedoms.

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When American leaders created the USA, they made the deliberate choice to replace royal rule with a republic.

Republic- AKA Representative Democracy: Power rests with the citizens who elect leaders. These leaders will then make government decisions on their behalf.

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Government is not all powerful, can only do what the people let it.

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Helps prevent one branch from becoming too powerful (Checks and Balances)

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power divided between federal (national) government and state government.