 | Term | Definition |
| |
Constitution |
a nation’s basic law. It creates political institutions, allocates power within government, and often provides guaranteed to citizens. |
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Declaration of Independence |
Written by Jefferson. The document approve by representatives of the American colonies in 1176 declaring their independence |
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Natural rights |
John Locke’s philosophy. Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments. |
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Consent of the governed |
people must agree on who their ruler will be |
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Limited government |
the idea of clear restrictions on what rulers can do |
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Articles of Confederation |
The first constitution of the U.S. adopted by congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781 and established a national legislature |
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Shay’s Rebellion |
a series of armed attacks on courthouses to prevent judges from foreclosing on farms |
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U.S. Constitution |
document written in 1787 and approved in 1788 that sets forth the institutional structure of U.S. government and tasks. Replaced the Articles of Confederation |
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Factions |
interest groups arising form the undistribution of property or wealth that James Madison attacked in Federalist Paper #10 |
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N.J. Plan |
proposed by William Peterson of N.Y. called for equality amongst states in representation |
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Virginia Plan |
It called for giving each state representation in Congress based on the state’s share of the American population |
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Connecticut Compromise |
was to create two houses in Congress. Each state shall have two representatives |
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Writ of habeas corpus |
A court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody |
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Separation of powers |
was a Madison scheme. Power is shared amongst branches of government, executive, legislative, and judicial but not where they can control each other |
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Checks and balances |
power is balanced among the different governmental institutions. These institutions continually check on another’s activities |
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Republic |
a form of government in which the people select representatives to govern them and make laws |
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Federalist |
supporters of the U.S. constitution at the time the states were contemplating its adoption |
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Anti-federalist |
Opponents of the American Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption |
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Federalist Papers |
A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay under name “Pubius” to defend the Constitution in detail |
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Bill of Rights |
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments define such basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, and press and guarantee defendants’ rights |
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Judicial Review |
The power of the courts to determine whethers acts of Congress are in accord with the US Constitution. Established in Marbury v. Madison. |
