AP Gov Ch. 2 Chris Bauder Flashcards
Alexander Hamilton
a key framer who envisioned a powerful central government, co-authored The Federalist Papers, and served as the first Secretary of the Treasury
Anti-federalists
those who favored a stronger national government and supported the proposed U.S. Constitution; later became the first U.S. political party
Article I
creates the legislative branch of government
Article II
creates the executive branch of government
Article III
establishes a supreme court and defines its jurisdiction
Article IV
mandates that states honor the laws and judicial proceedings of other states.
Article V
specifies how amendments can be added to the constitution
Article VI
contains the supremacy clause, which asserts the basic primary of the constitution and national law over state laws and constitutions.
Articles of Confederation
the compact between the thirteen original colonies that created a loose league of friendship, with the national government drawing its powers from the states
Benjamin Franklin
a brilliant inventor and senior statesman at the constitutional convention who urged colonial unity as early as 1754, twenty-two years before the declaration of independence
Bill of Rights
the 10 amendments to the US constitution, which largely guarantee specific rights and liberties
checks and balances
a constitutionally mandated structure that gives each of the three branches of government some degree of oversight and control over the actions of the others
common sense
a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that challenged the authority of the British government to govern the colonies
constitution
a document establishing the structure, functions, and limitations of a government
Constitutional Convention
the meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 that was first intended to revise the articles of confederation, but produced an entirely new document, the US constitution
Crispus Attucks
an African american and first american to die in what became known as the Boston Massacre in 1770
Critical Period
the chaotic period from 1781 to 1789 after the american revolution during which the former colonies were governed under the articles of confederation
Declaration of Independence
document drafted largely by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 that proclaimed the right of American colonies to separate from Great Britain.
Electoral College
the system established by the constitution through which the president is chosen by electors from each state, which has as many electoral votes as it has members of congress
enumerated powers
the powers of the national government specifically granted to congress in article I, section 8 of the constitution