Chapter 2: Vocabulary Flashcards
Constitution
a nation’s basic law. it creates political institutions, assigns or divides powerss in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens.
Declaration of Independence
document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against the British monarch and declared their independence
Natural Rights
rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property.
consent of the governed
idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people
limited government
idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens
Articles of Confederation
first constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781- established a national legislature.
Shays’ Rebellion
series of attacks on counthouses by a small band band of farmers led by Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.
U.S. Constitution
document written in 1787 and ratified in 1788 that sets forth the institutional structure of U.S. government and the tasks these institutions perform.
factions
interest groups arising from the unequal distribution of property or wealth
New Jersey Plan
proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of the state’s population.
Virginia Plan
proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for representation of each state in Congress in proportion to that state’s share of the U.S. population
Connecticut Compromise
compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention that establishedd two houses of congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate
writ of habeas corpus
court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are hoilding a prisoner in custody
separation of powers
requires each of the three branches of government- executive, legislative, and judicial- to be relatively independent of the others so that one cannot control the others.
checks and balances
features of the Constitution that limit government’s power by requiring that power be balanced among the different governmental institutions.
republic
form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws.
Federalists
supporters of the U.S. Constitution at the time the states were contemplating its adoption.
Anti-Federalists
opponents of the American Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption
Federalist Papers
a collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name “Publius” to defend the Constitution in detail.
Bill of Rights
first ten ammendments to the U.S. Constitution
Equal Rights Amendment
constitutional amendment passed by Congress in 1972 that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the U.S. or by any state on account of sex.”
Marbury v. Madison
1803 case in which Chief Justice John Marshall and his associates first assertedd the right of the Supreme Court to determine the meaning of the U.S. Constitution
judicial review
power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress, and implication the executive, are in accord with the U.S Constitution
