Chapter Two Flashcards
Declaration of Independence
The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against British monarch and declared their independence.
U.S. Constitutions
the fundamental or organic law of the U.S., framed in 1787 by the Constitutional Convention
Natural Rights
Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property.. The concept of natural rights was central to English philosopher John Locke’s theories about government, and was widely accepted among America’s founding fathers.
Consent of the Governed
The idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people.
Limited Government
The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.
Articles of Confederation
the government charter of the states from 1776 until the Constitution of 1787
Shay’s Rebellion
An armed attempt by Revolutionary War veterans to avoid losing their property by preventing the courts in western Massachusetts from meeting
Factions
A group of people sharing a common interest who seek to influence public policy for their collective benefit
Connecticut Compromise
The compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention that established two houses of Congress: the House of Representatives, in which representation is based on a state’s share of the U.S. population, and the Senate, in which each state has two representatives.
Writ of Habeas Corpus
A court order requiring police officials to produce an individual held in custody and show sufficient cause for that person’s detention
Seperation of Powers
A constitutional principle separating the personnel of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government
Checks and Balances
The power of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to block some acts by the other two branches
Republic
A form of democracy in which leaders and representatives are selected by means of popular competitive elections
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
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, drafted in response to some of the Anti-Federalist concerns. These amendments define such basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, and press and guarantee defendants’ rights.
Equal Rights Amendment
A constitutional amendment passed by Congress in 1972 stating that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” The amendment failed to acquire the necessary support from three-fourths of the state legislatures.
Mardbury v. Madison, 1803
The 1803 case in which Chief Justice John Marshall and his associates first asserted the right of the Supreme Court to determine the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. The decision established the Court’s power of judicial review over acts of Congress, in this case the Judiciary Act of 1789.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress, and by implication the executive, are in accord with the U.S. Constitution. Judicial review was established by John Marshall and his associates in Marbury v. Madison.
