Unit 2 Buzzwords Flashcards
Declaration of Independence
Pronouncement of independence from the British crown by the Second Continental Congress
Articles of Confederation
First attempt by Founders to create a government, weak central government, more power to the states
Federalism
Distribution of power in an organization between a central authority and a constituent
Constitutional Convention of 1787
Meeting to decide how to revise Articles of Confederation, eventually ended in complete restart of Constititution
Constitution
Adopted by Founders, stronger central government than Articles, officially adopted in 1789
Virginia Plan
Plan presented by James Madison for 3 strong national branches of government and a bicameral legislature
New Jersey Plan
Plan presented by state of New Jersey to limit each state to one vote in Congress, each state has one representative, so that small states aren’t overruled by larger ones
Great (Connecticut) Compromise
Compromise presented by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth (Connecticut) providing a dual system of Congressional representation (bicameral)
Three-Fifths Compromise
Compromise that 3 out of every 5 slaves would count for representation in the House of Representatives
Federalists
Early political party that advocated for strong central government
Anti-Federalists
Group of Americans who opposed creation of a stronger U.S federal government and opposed final ratification of the Constitution
The Federalist Papers
Collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison promoting the ratification of the Constitution.
Bill of Rights
Document that guarantees essential rights and civil liberties, first 10 amendments
Necessary and proper clause (Elastic clause)- Implied Powers
Gives Congress power to “make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution,” allows the government to change over time
Delegated powers
Powers granted to the federal government under the Constitution