Chapter 2- Constitution Flashcards
Anti-federalists
Those who favored a weaker national government
Articles of confederation
A weak constitution that governed America during and immediately after the revolutionary war
Bill of attainder
A law that declares a person, without trial, to be guilty of a crime.
Bill of rights
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Checks and balances
The power of the legislative executive and judicial branches of government to blocks 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 government alone.
Ex post facto law
A law that makes an act criminal although the act was legal when it was committed.
Faction
A group with a distinct political interest.
Federalism
Government authority shared by national and state governments.
Federalists
Those who favor a stronger national government.
Great compromise
Plan to have popularly elected house based on State population and a state-selected senate, with two members for each state.
Habeas Corpus
An order to produce an arrested person before a judge.