Chapter 2: The Constitution Flashcards
Antifederalists
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 ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
checks and balances
The power of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to block some acts by the other two branches. (See also separation of powers.)
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
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.
Judicial review
The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.
