APGOVSUM18.David.Alvarez Flashcards
Alexander Hamilton
A United States statesman and leader of the Federalists
Anti-Federalists
individuals who opposed ratification of the Constitution
Article I
establishes the legislative branch of the federal government
Artical II
sets forth the definition and terms of the Executive Branch of Government in the United States
Artical III
establishes the judicial branch of the federal government.
Artical IV
ensures that states respect and honor the state laws and court orders of other states, even when their own laws are different.
Artical V
describes the process whereby the Constitution, the nation’s frame of government, may be altered
Artical VI
establishes the laws and treaties of the United States made in accordance with it as the supreme law of the land, forbids a religious test as a requirement for holding a governmental position
Articles of Confederation
The government charter of the states from 1776 until the Constitution of 1787.
Benjamin Franklin
a Founding Father of U.S. who had a significant and profound influence in the early development of his nation.
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, drafted in response to some of the Anti-Federalist concerns. These amendments define such basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, and press and guarantee defendant’s rights.
Checks and Balances
Features of the Constitution that limit government’s power by requiring that power be balanced among the different governmental institutions. These institutions continually constrain one another’s activities.
Common Sense
Written by Thomas Paine. Argument for an independent United States.
Constitution
A nation’s basic law. It creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Constitutions can either be written or unwritten.
Crispus Attucks
the first person killed in the Boston massacre and thus the first American killed in the American Revolution.
Critical Period
periods when a major, lasting shift occurs in the popular coalition supporting one or both parties.
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.
Electoral College
Comprised of party delegates with the job of casting their vote for the candidate of the party they represent in the national election.
Enumerated Powers
Those powers that are given to the national government exclusively.
Federalism
A constitutional principle reserving separate powers to the national and state levels of government.