LEARNING OBJECTIVES

U.S. AND TEXAS CONSTITUTIONS

Objectives for Chapter Two, Fiorina

The U.S. Constitution

1.         Define constitutionalism and explain the primary political functions of a constitution.

2.         Explain the contributions of the Magna Carta, Coke, Locke, and Hobbes.

*3.       List and explain the reasons for the break with Great Britain and the circumstances surrounding the start of the Revolutionary War and governance during the War.

4.         Discuss the major ideas behind the Declaration of Independence. Include structure, major ideas, and specific arguments for independence.

5.         Distinguish the main ideas behind the Articles of Confederation, and list and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation verses the U.S. Constitution.

*6.       Analyze the Constitutional Convention C who was there, what they did, and why they did it.

*7.       Compare and contrast the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.

8.         Describe the compromises that emerged in the writing of the Constitution.

9.         List and explain the fundamental ideas underlying the Constitution.

*10.     List and explain the arguments of the Federalists and Anti‑Federalists concerning ratification of the Constitution. Indicate which arguments helped win ratification.

*11.     Explain both the formal and informal amendment processes for the Constitution.

Objectives for Chapter Two, St. John

The Texas Constitution

12.       List the constitutions of Texas, and explain the historical significance of each.

13.       List and explain the major features of the 1876 Texas Constitution.

14.       List and explain the problems with the current Texas Constitution.