APGovchapter2Ayasha.Hussain Flashcards
Alexander Hamilton
Was an American statesman and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was an influential interpreter and promoter of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the founder of the nation’s financial system, the Federalist Party.
Anti-Federalists
Individuals who opposed ratification of the Constitution
Article 1 (The legislature branch)
The U.S. Congress makes the laws for the United States. Congress has two parts, called “Houses,” the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Article 2: Executive Branch
The President, Vice-President, Cabinet, and Departments under the Cabinet Secretaries carry out the laws made by Congress.
Article 3: Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court decides court cases according to US Constitution. The courts under the Supreme Court decide criminal and civil court cases according to the correct federal, state, and local laws.
Article 4: States’ powers
States have the power to make and carry out their own laws.
Article 5: Amendments
The Constitution can be changed. New amendments can be added to the US Constitution.
Article 6: Federal powers
The Constitution and federal laws are higher than state and local laws. All laws must agree with the US Constitution.
Articles of Confederation
The first United States Constitution. Did not set up federal government or grant power to regulate taxation or commerce.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Bill of rights
A statement of fundamental rights and privileges especially the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.
Checks and Balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Common Sense
Written by Thomas Paine. An argument for the independent United States.
Constitution
The government of the United States. A set of principles (guidelines) that describe the duties and powers of the government.
Constitutional Convention
A meeting of 55 delegates from 12 colonies in Philadelphia in 1787 who created the U.S. Constitution.
Crispus Attucks
First colonist to be killed during the Boston massacre
Critical Period
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Declaration of Independence
The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against the British monarch and declared their independence. Link to: Locke’s natural rights.
Electoral College
a body of individuals which elect the President and Vice President of the United States. The Constitution created this body, which consists of gatherings of state electors in each state to formally cast their ballots for a candidate for whom they have pledged to vote.
Enumerated Powers
specific powers granted to congress under Article I, section 8, of the constitution; these powers include taxation, coinage of money, regulation of commerce, and the authority to provide for a national defense.