chapter 2 Flashcards
amendment
a new provision in the Constitution that has been ratified by the states
anti feds
those who favor a weaker natl. gov
articles of confederation
a weak Constitution that governed America during and immediately after the Revo. War
bill of attainder
a law that declares a person, without trial, to be guilty of a crime
bill of rights
the first ten amendments to the US Constitution
checks and balances
the power of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to block some acts by the other two branches
coalition
an alliance of factions
concurrent powers
powers shared by the national and state governments
constitutional convention
meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 that produced a new constitution
enumerated powers
powers given to the national gov alone
ex post facto law
a law that makes an act criminal although the act was legal when it was committed
faction
a group w/ distinct political interest
