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22 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Articles of Confederation |
America's first written constitution; served as the basis for America's national government until 1789 |
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Confederation |
A system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for the powers expressly delegated to the national government |
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Virginia Plan |
A framework for the Constitution, introduced by Edmund Randolph, that called by representation in the national legislature based on the population of each state |
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New Jersey Plan |
A framework for the Constitution, introduced by William Paterson, that called for equal state representation in the national legislature regardless of population |
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Great Compromise |
The agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that gave each state an equal number of senators regardless of its population, but linked representation in the House of Representatives to population |
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Three-Fifths Compromise |
The agreement reached at the Constitutional Conventional n of 1787 that stipulated that for purposes of the apportionment of congressional seats, every space would be counted as three-fifths a person |
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Checks and Balances |
Mechanisms through which each branch of government is able to participate in and influence the activities of the other branches |
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Electoral College |
The electors from each state who meet after the popular election to cast ballots for president and vice president |
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Bill of Rights |
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791; they ensure certain rights and liberties to the people |
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Separation of Powers |
The division of governmental power among several institutions that must cooperate in decision making |
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Federalism |
A system of goverment in which power is divided, by a constitution, between a central government and regional governments |
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Expressed powers |
Specific powers grantedbby the Constitution to Congress and to the president |
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Elastic Clause |
Enumeraates the poses of Congress and provides Congress with the authority to make all laws necessary and proper to carry them out |
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Bicameral |
Having a legislative assembly composed of two chambers or houses; distinguished unicameral |
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Judicial Review |
The power of the courts to review and, decor actions of the legislative and executive branches invalid or unconstitutional |
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supremacy Clause |
Laws passed by the national government and all treaties are the supreme law of the land and superior to all laws adopted by any state or any subdivision |
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Federalists |
Those who favored a strong national government and supports the Constitution proposed in 1787 |
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Antifederalist |
Those who favored a strong state government and a weak national government, and who were opponents of the Constitution proposed in 1787 |
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Federalist Papers |
A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay supporting ratification of the Constitution |
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Tyranny |
Oppressive government that employ an cruel and unjust use of power and authority |
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Limited Government |
A government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution |
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Amendment |
A change add to a bill, law, or constitution |
