Chapter 2 Flashcards
Connecticut Compromise
Compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention that established two houses of Congress
- House of Representatives - population
- Senate - each state has two votes
Virginia Plan
The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for representation of each state in Congress in proportion to that state’s share of the US population
Separation of Powers
A feature of the Constitution that requires each of the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) to be relatively independent of the others so that one cannot control the others. Power is shared among these institutions.
Checks and Balances
Features of the Constitution that limit government’s power by requiring each branch to obtain the consent of the others for its actions, limiting and balancing power among the branches
Federalists
Supporters of the US Constitution at the time the states were contemplating its adoption
Anti-Federalists
Opponents of the US Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption
Federalist Papers
A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison when the name “Publius” to defend the Constitution in detail
Shay’s Rebellion
A series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by the Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shays to block foreclosures proceedings
Factions
Groups such as parties or interest groups, which according to James Madison arose from the unequal distribution of property or wealth and had the potential to cause instability in government
New Jersey Plan
The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of each state in congress regardless of the state’s population
Consent of the Governed
The idea that government derives it’s authority by sanction of the people
Limited Government
The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protest the natural rights of citizens
Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. Established a national legislature, the Continental Congress, but most authority rested with the state legislatures
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 be either written or unwritten
Declaration of Idependence
The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against the British monarch and declared their independence
