Chapter 7 A More Perfect Union Flashcards
Checks and balances
They system in which each branch of government has a check on the other two branches so that no one branch becomes too powerful
Federalism
The sharing of power between federal and state governments
Executive Branch
The branch of government headed by the president, that carries out the nation’s laws and policies.
Judicial Branch
The branch of government, including the federal court system, that interprets the nation’s laws.
Amendment
An addition to a formal document such as the Constitution.
Legislative Branch
The branch of government that makes the nation’s laws
Electoral College
A special group of voters selected by their state’s voters to vote for the President and Vice President
Articles of Confederation
America’s first constitution that provided a central government under which the states kept most of their power. Under the Articles congress could conduct foreign affairs, maintain armed forces, borrow money, and issue currency. Congress couldn’t regulate trade force citizens to join the army or impose taxes. Couldn’t be ratified without all 13 states agreeing.
John Adams
Sent to London to discuss difficulties
Shay’s rebellion
Farmers weren’t selling crops, so they couldn’t pay taxes their lands were seized to lay off their debts. Angry farmers lashed out. Led by Daniel Shay
Northwest ordinance
Created a single Northwest territory at the lands north of you however the lens for later divided into three smaller territories. When the population of the territory reach 60,000 people they could petition
Problems with the articles of Confederation
Many believe the Confederation government was too weak to do with nations problems.you couldn’t tax.
The Virginia plan
Call for two house legislator, chief executive chosen by legislator, the court system of the members of the lower house chosen by the people ,the members of the upper house would be chosen by the lower house. In both houses the number of representatives would be proportional to the population of each state.
The New Jersey plan
One house legislator come up with one vote for each state. Commerce however could set taxes and regulate trade – powers did not have under the articles of Confederation. Congress would you let a week executive branch consisting of more than one person.
The great compromise
The two house legislator in the lower house – the House of Representatives – the number of seats for each state would vary based on the states population. The upper house – Senate – each state would have two members. Three branches legislative executive and judicial him. Gave the government powers that had under the articles of Confederation