US CONSTITUTION VOCABULARY Flashcards
Constitution
The governing document of the United States that creates 3 equal branches of government.
Articles of Confederation
First government of the US that lasted for 9 years, and failed due to its absence of a strong central government.
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual rights.
New Jersey Plan
Plan proposed to represent states in an even way in Congress.
Virginia Plan
Plan proposed to represent states based on population in Congress.
Great Compromise
The deal between large and small states to create the House and Senate.
The 3/5 Compromise
Deal between North and South states that slaves will count as 3/5 of a person in representation.
Bicameral
Two sides or branches (the House of Representatives and the Senate).
Federalism
The division of power between a national/state/local levels.
Checks and Balances
The idea that all three branches share equal power because they can keep each other from gaining too much power.
Amendment
An addition or change made to the Constitution.
Legislature
Law making body of people.
Veto
To reject, a power of the Pres.
Congress
Law-making body that is bicameral (House and Senate).
Habeas Corpus
The right to not be held for a crime without knowing why you are being held.
