Competency 3.1 - identify the features and principles of the US Constitution, including its amendments, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism Flashcards
the constitution
a basic plan that outlines the structure and functions of the national government
articles of confederation
original government structure of the US; ultimately weak and ineffective due to its inability to levy taxes, draft troops, regulate interstate and foreign trade, and its lack of a powerful executive branch
Shay’s rebellion
led by revolutionary war veteran Daniel Shays, this rebellion of farmers against the tax collectors and banks exposed the true weakness of the government under the articles of confederation
constitutional convention
held in Philadelphia in 1787, founding fathers convened to revise the articles of confederation; every state (except RI) met over four months and drafted the constitution
federalist papers
written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, these essays express the political philosophies of the founding fathers and was instrumental in bringing about the ratification of the constitution
checks and balances
ensurance that no branch has too much unchecked power
Vriginia plan
a plan for a legislative branch with a number of representatives based on the state’s population
New Jersey plan
a plan for a legislative branch with a set number of representatives per state, regardless of differing populations
great compromise
based off the Virginia plan and New Jersey plan, this plan for a legislative branch suggested two separate parts of Congress: one with representatives based off state population and one with set representatives per state
senate
half of congress where all states have equal voting power; based off New Jersey plan
house of representatives
half of congress where voting power is determined in proportion to a state’s population; based off Virginia plan
three-fifths compromise
decided that each slave is worth three-fifths of a person for purposes of determining population count with regard ro direct taxation on states ans number of representatives in the House
federalists
these people argued for the adoption of the Constitution and stood by its power; consisted of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
anti-federalists
these people argued against the adoption of the constitution, arguing the constitution fails to uphold some basic rights and that itll weaken states, favor the wealthy, and diminish individual liberty; consisted of Henry Adams, Sam Adams, and Thomas Jefferson
electoral college
representatives of each state that votes for the president; number is proportionate to the population of the state
bill of rights
a written guaruntee of certain basic rights and freedoms for all citizens; first ten amendments of the US constitution
federalism
divides the powers of government between state, local, and national power
legislative branch
consists of congress (senate & house of representatives); creates laws and policies for the US
executive branch
consists of the president and vice president; upholds laws and standards of the country
judicial branch
consists of the supreme court; determines whether laws created are constitutional
popular sovereignty
the idea that government derives its power from the people
rule of law
the enforcement of government with limits
