Ap Gov Ch 2

Front 1

Constitution

Back 1

A nations basic law that sets the game rules for politics. It creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens.

Front 2

Declaration of Independence

Back 2

The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against the British monarch and declared their independence.

Front 3

Natural Rights

Back 3

Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments which include life, liberty, and property. The concept of natural rights was central to John Locke's theories on government.

Front 4

Consent of the Governed

Back 4

The idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people.

Front 5

Limited Government

Back 5

The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of the citizens.

Front 6

Article's of Confederation

Back 6

The first constitution of the US, adopted by congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. Established a national legislature, but most authority rested with the states. Proved to be weak and the lack of the ability to instill taxes left little money for a defense system.

Front 7

Shay's Rebellion

Back 7

A series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.

Front 8

U.S. Constitution

Back 8

The document written in 1787 and ratified 1788 that set forth the institutional structure of the US government and the tasks these institutions perform. It replaced the articles.

Front 9

Factions

Back 9

Interest groups arising from the unequal distribution of wealth and property.

Front 10

New Jersey Plan

Back 10

The proposal at the constitutional convention that called for equal representation of each state in congress regardless of their population.

Front 11

Virginia Plan

Back 11

The proposal at the constitutional convention that called for representation of each state in congress in proportion to that state's population.

Front 12

Connecticut Compromise

Back 12

The compromise reached at the convention that established two houses of congress: the house of representatives, in which representation is based on population, and the senate, in which each state has two representatives.

Front 13

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Back 13

A court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody.

Front 14

Separation of Powers

Back 14

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. Power is shared among these three institutions.

Front 15

Checks and Balances

Back 15

Features of the constitution that limit government's power by requiring that power be balances among the different governmental institutions. These institutions continually constrain one another's activities.

Front 16

Republic

Back 16

A form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws.

Front 17

Federalists

Back 17

Supporters of the US constitution at the time the time when the states were contemplating its adoption.

Front 18

Anti-Federalists

Back 18

Opponents of the American constitution at the time the time when the states were contemplating its adoption.

Front 19

Federalist Papers

Back 19

A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name “Publius” to defend the constitution in detail.

Front 20

Bill of Rights

Back 20

The first ten amendments of the constitution that promise to protect the individual rights of the people. Created in response to anti-Federalist concerns. They define basic liberties such as freedom of religion, speech, press, and guarantee defendant's rights.

Front 21

Equal Rights Amendment

Back 21

A constitutional amendment passed in congress in 1792 stating that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the US or by the state on account of sex. The amendment failed to acquire the necessary support from three-fourths of the state legislatures.

Front 22

Marbury v. Madison

Back 22

The 1803 case in which Chief Justice John Marshall and his associates first asserted the right of the supreme court to determine the meaning of the constitution. The decision established the principal of judicial review over acts of congress in this case the judiciary act of 1789.

Front 23

Judicial Review

Back 23

The power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress, and by implication the executive, are in accord with the US constitution.