Chapter 2 Flashcards
The U.S. first written constitution.
Articles of Confederation
A system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for the powers expressly delegated to the national government.
Confederation
A framework for the Constitution, introduced by Edmund Randolph, that call for representation in the national legislature based on the population of each state.
The Virginia Plan
A framework for the Constitution, introduced by William Paterson, that called for equal state representation in the national legislature regardless of population.
New Jersey Plan
The agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that gave each state an equal number of senators regardless of its population, but linked representation in the House of Representatives to population.
Connecticut Compromise / Great Compromise
The agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that stipulated that for the purpose of the apportionment of congressional seats, every slave would be counted as three-fifths a person.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Having a legislative assembly composed of two chambers of houses; distinguished from unicameral.
Bicameral
Mechanisms through which each branch of government is able to participate in and influence the activities of the other branches; major examples include the presidential veto power of the Senate to approve presidential appointments, and a judicial review of congressional enactments.
Checks and Balances
The electors from each state who meet after the popular election to cast ballots for president ad vice president.
Electoral College
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791; they ensure certain rights and liberties to the people.
Bill of Rights
The division of governmental power among several institutions that must cooperative in decision making.
Separation of Powers
A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between the central (national) government and regional (state) governments.
Federalism
Specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress and to the president.
Expressed Powers
Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution (also known as the necessary and proper clause), which enumerates the powers of Congress and provides Congress with the authority to make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry them out.
Elastic Clause
The power of the courts to review and, if necessary, declare actions of the legislative and executive branches invalid or unconstitutional; the Supreme Court asserted this power in Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Judicial Review
