| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Checks and Balances | Origional idea of Baron de Montesquieu (enlightenment); incorporated into Constitution @ Const. Convention; gov't divided into 3 branches- each branch w/ certain powers that limit powers of the other branches... no branch can gain too much power. AKA separation of powers. |
| Virginia plan | Proposal by Madison & Virginia delegation at the Constitutional Convention; called for new gov't w/ strong executive office & 2 houses of Congress (bicameral legislature), each w/ representation proportional to state population. Favored by large states. |
| Nationalists (Federalists) | Supporters of the Constitution who advocated its ratification. Favored a stronger national government. |
| Charles A. Beard | Wrote "An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution" in 1913- const. convention delegates had selfish econ interest in the outcome: they were holders of western lands and gov't bonds, so they would benifit from a stronger gov't |
| James Madison | A Virginia delegate and central figure at Const. Convention. Federalist/nationalist. Aloof, yet greatest political mind of the time. "Father of the Constitution." |
| Alexander Hamilton | New York federalist. Called the Constitutional Convention. Regretfully left Convention when the other NY delegates left b/c of their states' rights principles |
| "The Federalist" | A series of essays penned by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay that explained and defended the stronger national government created by the Constitutional Convention of 1781. |
| Antifederalists | Critics of the Constitution who expressed concern that it seemed to possess no specific provision for the protection of natural and civil rights. Forced Congress to accept a numer of amendments known as the Bill of Rights. |
| New Jersey plan | Proposal of New Jersey delegation at Constitutional Convention; called for strong national gov't w/ 1 house of Congress in which all states would have = representation. Favored by small states. |
Combine with other sets
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