The Constitution Flashcards
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
Constitution
A nations basic law
natural rights
Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments,which include life,liberty ,and property.
Consent of the governed
the idea that government derives it’s authority by sanction of the people.
Limited government
The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of the citizen.
Articles of confederation
The first confederation of the U.S. ,adopted by congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. They established a national legislature, the continental congress, but most authority rested with the state legislatures.
Shay’s Rebellion
A series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by Revolutionary War Capt. Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.
U.S. constitution
The document written in 1787 and ratified in 1788 that sets forth the institutional structure of U.S. government and the tasks these institutions perform. Replaced articles of confederation.
Factions
Interest groups arising from the unequal distribution of property or wealth that James Madison attacked in federalist paper no. 10
New Jersey plan
The proposal at the constitutional convention that called for equal representation of each state in congress regardless of the state’s population.
Virginia plan
The proposal at the constitutional convention that called for representation of each state in congress in proportion of the state’s share of the U.S. population
Connecticut compromise
The compromise reached at the constitutional convention that established 2 houses of congress the House of Representatives and the senate
Writ of habeas corpus
A court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody.
Separation of powers
A feature of the constitution that 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
A form of government I. 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 federalist
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 ten amendments to the U.S. constitution, drafted in response to some of the anti federalist concerns. Define liberties like freedom, religion, and speech,
Equal rights amendment
Passed in 1972, stating equality of the rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the U.S. or any state on account of sex
Marbury v. Madison
1803 case in which John Marshall and his associates first asserted the right of the Supreme Court to determine meaning of the U.S. constitution.
Judicial review
The power of the courts to determine whether acts of congress are in accord with the U.S. constitution
