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20 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Constitution
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a written plan of government
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Constitutional Convention
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meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 during which 55 delagates wrot the new constitution
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Anti-Federalists
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people who opposed the new constitution; they feared strong national government and demanded a bill of rights, George Mason and Patrick Henry were leading Anti-Federalists
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Federalists
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people who supported the new constitution and wanted a strong national (central) government, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were leaders of the Federalists
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Grievance
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a complaint, such as those listed in Declaration of Independence against the British government; were addressed by the Constitution
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Bill of Rights
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the first 10 amendments to the constitution, they guarantee basic rights, was one way the unalienable rights were protected by the new government, the Anti-Federalists insisted it be added before thy ratified the constitution
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Ratification
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to formally (officially) approve of a document
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Amendments
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changes or additions to an official document; the process to amend the constitution was difficult to prevent frequent, unnecessary changes
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Separation of Powers
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this principle of the constitution divided the power of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches; each has its own specific duties
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The Great Compromise
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foundationof the new government; three branches legislative, executive and judicial;Congress (legislative branch) was divided into two houses, the upper house(Senate) had equal representation – 2 members for each state, the lower house(House of Representatives) – each states number of members based on populationof the state
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Three-Fifths Compromise
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thenorthern states wanted slaves not counted or at least taxed, southern statesdid so they would have more members in the House of Representative; result –3/5 of all slaves would be counted for representation and not taxation
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Federalism
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Poweris shared by both the national and state governments. Some powers are given tothe national government or state government only, some are shared.
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Checksand Balances
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Eachof the three branches can make sure government is run fairly by making sure onedoes not become too powerful. This is done by being able to look at decisionsto make sure they follow the Constitution
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Dueprocess of law
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Thegovernment may not deprive citizens of “life, liberty, or property” without dueprocess of law. This means that the government has to follow rules and setprocedures in everything it does. It cannot, for example, skip parts of trials,or deny citizens their rights as protected by the Bill of Rights and by law.This protection helps to ensure justice. Protections are found in the 5thamendment
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Habeascorpus
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adocument that protects against illegal imprisonment
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Judicial
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this branch of government is responsible forensuring justice for citizens and the highest court, the US Supreme Courtdetermines the constitutionality of laws (decides if they follow theConstitution)
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Legislature
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the branch of government that makes laws, the USCongress is a bicameral legislature with a Senate and House of Representatives
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executive
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thebranch of government that has the responsibility to carry out, or execute thelaw, the President of the United States is the head of the executive branch anda Vice-President, Cabinet Secretaries and various departments help him with allthe responsibilities of the job
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Limited Government
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The government only interferes with citizen’slives when necessary. Government is kept small so that citizens’ rights areprotected
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Electoral College
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the process used to formally elect thepresident, voters choose people that represent the political party ofcandidates and those people officially elect the president a few weeks afterthe election, the candidate with the most electoral votes becomes the president
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