Unit 3: Creation of the Constitution - Vocabulary

Question 1

Articles of Confederation

Answer 1

A plan for a loose union of the states under the authority of the Congress

Question 2

Shays’s Rebellion

Answer 2

Conflict in Massachusetts in 1787 where approximately 1200 farmers, led by former Continental Army Captain, Daniel Shays attempted to seize weapons from an arsenal, resulting in the death of four farmers. The conflict further supported the need for a stronger national government.

Question 3

Anti-Federalist

Answer 3

Opponents to the Constitution. Included John Hancock, Patrick Henry, and western farmers

Question 4

Federalist

Answer 4

Supporters of the Constitution. Included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, large landowners

Question 5

Checks & Balances

Answer 5

The system in which each branch of government has the ability to limit the power of the other branches to prevent any from becoming too powerful

Question 6

Alexander Hamilton

Answer 6

Federalist. He was one of the authors of The Federalist Papers.

Question 7

James Madison

Answer 7

Nationalist (supporter of a strong central government). Member of the Virginia Assembly. The creator of The Virginia Plan.

Question 8

The Federalist Papers

Answer 8

A collection of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton & John Jay that summarized the arguments for ratifying the Constitution.

Question 9

Federalism

Answer 9

Political system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

Question 10

Great Compromise

Answer 10

Agreement based on an idea from Roger Sherman of Connecticut that suggested The House of Representatives would be based on the state’s population, but the states would have equal representation in the Senate. Sometimes called The Connecticut Compromise.

Question 11

Separation of Powers

Answer 11

Government principle in which power is divided between different branches

Question 12

Limited Government

Answer 12

a political system in which legalized force is restricted through delegated and enumerated powers

Question 13

Three-Fifths Compromise

Answer 13

Agreement that allowed every five slaves to count as three people for determining representation and determined that the Congress could not tax exports and that the slave trade would not be banned until 1808.

Question 14

Bill of Rights

Answer 14

A summary of fundamental rights and privileges guaranteed to a people against violation of the state

Question 15

State’s Rights

Answer 15

All rights not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution nor denied by it to the states

Question 16

Northwest Ordinance

Answer 16

Ordinance that provided the basis for governing the western territories. Also guaranteed rights to the people of the new territories - freedom of religion, property rights, trial by jury and forbid slavery