1.
Antifederalists: believed in strong state governments and opposed the Constitution because they believed a bill of rights was needed
2.
checks and balances: system that makes sure no one branch of the government becomes too powerful
3.
executive: branch of government responsible for administering, carrying out and enforcing the laws
4.
Federalists: believed in a strong central government controlled by wealthy and well-educated men
5.
First Amendment: The constitutional amendment that establishes the four great liberties: freedom of the press, of speech, of religion, and of assembly and petition for grievances.
6.
Great Compromise: agreement between large states and small states about how to determine a state's representation in Congress
7.
judicial: branch of government that includes the Supreme Court and is responsible for interpreting the laws and the Constitution
8.
legislative: branch of the government made up of two bodies (bicameral): the House of Representatives and the Senate
9.
no power to tax: problems with the Articles of Confederation
10.
ratify: approve
11.
Shay's rebellion: a protest by farmers in Massechussetts who faced problems from debts they owed to creditors
12.
three fifths compromise: agreement between northern states and southern states about how to count slaves in determining population