Chapter 2 Flashcards
Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union
- America’s first written constitution
- Formal basis for America’s national government
- Limited the powers of the central government which was based entirely in Congress
- Congress Could declare war, make peace, coin money and reguate trade with the indiand
- Congress could not levy taxes or regulate commerce among the states
Shay’s rebellion
former army capitain led a mob of farmers againgst gov of Massachusetts
-Showed congrss that under the Confederation it could not act in time of crisis
Great Compromise
Agreement reached that gave each state ad equal number of senators regardless of pop but linked representation in the House of Representatives to pop
Bicameralism
The division of legislative assembly into two chambers or houses
expressed powers
the powers enumerated in the Constitution that are granted to the federal government
necessary and proper cluase
enumerates the powers of Congress with the authority to make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry them out; also referred to as the elastic clause
judicial review
the power of the courts to declare actions of the legislative and executive branches invalid or unconstitutional
decided in Marbury v. Madison
supremacy clause
all laws passed by the national gov and all treaties are the supreme laws of the land and superior to state laws
separation of powers
the division of govermental oiwer among several institutions that must cooperate in decision making
federalism
The system of government in which a constitution divides power between central and regional governments
Bill of Rights
the first 10 amendments in the Constitution
ensures certain rights and liberties to the people
checks and balances
the mechanisms through which each branch of government is able to participate in and influence the activities of the other branches
tyranny
Oppressive government that employs cruel and unjust use of power and authority
