Ch 2- The Founding Flashcards
Confederation
System of govt. in which states retain sovereign authority, except for powers expressly delegated to the national govt.
Articles of Confederation
Americas first written constitution, which established a confederal system. This served as the basis for America’s govt. until 1789
Virginia Plan
Proposed by Edmund Randolph: a framework that called for representation in the national legislature based off of the states’ populations.
New Jersey Plan
Proposed by William Patterson: a framework that called for equal representation in the national legislature, regardless of the states’ population.
Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
Agreement reached by the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that gave each state equal representation in the senate, but linked the number of representatives in the House of Representatives to population.
3/5 Compromise
agreement reached @ the Constitution Convention of 1787 that stipulated that slaves would be counted as 3/5 of a person for the purposes of the apportioning of congressional seats.
Checks & Balances
Mechanisms through which each branch of the government can participate and influence the activities of the other branches.
Ex. The presidential veto power over congressional legislation, power of senate to approve presidential appointments; & Judicial review of congressional enactments.
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to be ratified to the constitution in 1791, pushed for by Anti-Federalists. They insure certain rights and liberties to the public.
Separation of powers
The division of governmental power amongst several institutions that must cooperate in decision making.
Federalism
System of government in which power is divided by a constitution, between a central government & regional powers.
Expressed powers (Article 1 Section 8)
Specific powers granted to Congress in Article 1 Section 8, & the president in Article 2, by the constitution.
Elastic Clause
AKA the “necessary and proper clause” Article 1, Section 8, enumerates the powers of congress and provides congress w/ the authority to make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry them out.
Bicameral
Having a legislative body composed of two chambers or houses; distinguished from unicameral.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to review and declare actions of the legislative & executive branches invalid or unconstitutional. The Supreme Court asserted this power in Marbury vs. Madison.
Supremacy Clause
Article 6 of the constitution, which states that laws and treaties passed by the national govt. are the supreme law of the land and are superior to all laws adopted by any state or subdivision.
Federalists
Those who favored a strong national govt. & who supported the constitution proposed at the american constitutional convention of 1787.
Antifederalists
those who favored strong state governments & a weak national govt. Opponents of the constitution proposed at the convention of 1787
Federalist papers
A series of papers written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, & John Jay, supporting ratification of the constitution.
Tyranny
Oppressive govt. that employs cruel and unjust use of power and authority.
Amendment
a change added to a bill, law, or constitution.
Definition of Faction, According to Madison in Federalist #10
A group of citizens organized in pursuit of a political interest that is harmful to other citizens or to the whole system. Madison says that majority faction is way more dangerous than minority faction and the way to counteract it is through a large republic.
