FCLE Flashcards
northwest ordinance
process to set 5 states, steps territory needed to become state, outlawed slavery in those states and could not collect taxes
federalist
in favor of the constitution and a stronger national republic
anti federalist
did not like the constitution and favored small local governments
great compromise
how they resolved the government, agreement that said that each state has 2 senators and House of Representatives where each state has a representative based on population
3/5th compromise
how they counted African Americans (three out of every 5 slaves were counted when determining population)
checks and balances
the separation of powers in the government ( executive, judicial, and legislative branch) stops one from becoming too powerful
executive branch
executes the law, president , responsible for enforcing the law of the land
judicial branch
interprets the law, decide the constitutionality of federal laws and resolves other disputes about federal laws
legislative branch
makes laws, congress, declares war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies
separation of powers
model that divides the government into separate branches
rule of law
must follow the law no one is above it
due process
assurance that all levels of American government must operate within the law. all legal rights owed to a person are respected
popular sovereignty
government based on the consent/will of the people
articles of confederation
explained how the government was to work after it declared independence from great Britain ( agreement among the 13 colonies that was the nations first frame of government)
bill of rights
first 10 amendments of the constitution, spells out Americans rights in relation to their government
constitution
supreme law of the land, replaced articles of confederation, has enough power to act on a national level without putting other rights at risk
declaration of independence
founding document of the us. approved by congress on July 4that tells people they are free from British rule
constitution of Massachusetts
local support for public schools, the fundamental governing document of the commonwealth of Massachusetts
magna carta
established principle of rule of law
mayflower compact
law made by and for the people , settlers agreed to form a government and be bound by its rules
how many senators does each state have
2
how many electoral college votes do you need to win the presidency
270
what is an amendment
a change to the constitution
what are the rights in declaration of independence
lie, liberty, and pursuit of happiness
what is the economic system of the U.S
capitalist economy/market
how many senators are there and how long do they stay in office
100 members that serve for a term of 6 years