Chapter 2: The Founding And The Constitution Flashcards
Americas first written constitution; served as a basis for America’s national government until 1789
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 called for representation in the national legislature based on the population of each state
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 and equal number of senators regardless of its population but linked representation in the House of Representatives to population
Great Compromise
The agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that stipulated that for purposes of the apportionment of the congressional seats every slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person
Three-Fifths Compromise
Having a legislative assembly composed of two chambers or houses
Bicameral
Mechanisms through which each branch of government is able to participate in and influence in activities of the other branches;
Checks and balances
The electors from each state who meet after the popular election to cast ballots for president and Vice President
Electoral College
The first 10 amendments to the US constitution, ratified in 1791; they ensure certain rights and liberties to the people
Bill of Rights
The division of governmental power among several institutions must cooperate and decision making
Separation of powers
A system of government in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments
Federalism
Specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress and to the president
Expressed powers
The concluding paragraph of article 1, section 8, of the Constitution (also known as the “necessary and proper clause”), which provides Congress with the authority to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers
Elastic Clause
The power of courts to review and, if necessary, declare actions of the legislative and executive branches invalid or unconstitutional
Judicial review
The Supreme Court asserted this court power in Marbury v. Madison 1803
Judicial review
Article VI of the Constitution,
Which states that laws passed by the national government and all treaties are that supreme law of the land and superior to all laws adopted by any state or any subdivision
Supremacy clause
Those who favored a strong national government and supported the constitution propose at the American Constitutional Convention of 1787
Federalists
Those who favored strong state government and week national government and who were opponents of the constitution proposed at the American constitutional convention of 1787
Antifederalist
A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John J supporting ratification of the Constitution
Federalist Papers
Oppressive government that employs cruel and unjust use of power and authority
Tyranny
A principle of constitutional government; A government whose powers are defined and limited by the constitution
Limited government
Change added to a bill, law, or constitution
Amendment
Major examples include the presidential veto power over congressional legislation, the power of the senate to approve presidential appointments, and judicial review of congressional enactments
Checks and balances
