COnstitutional Compromises and Plans

Virginia Plan

Bicameral legislature, representation based on population, favored large states. ^

New Jersey Plan

Unicameral legislature, equal representation, favored small states. ^

Connecticut Compromise

Bicameral legislature: House by population, Senate 2 per state; basis of US Congress. ^

Failures of the Articles of Confederation

Weak central government, financial instability, no military protection. ^

Shay’s Rebellion

Exposed AOC weaknesses; government couldn’t respond effectively. ^

Unitary System

Central government strongest; one law-making body; UK and France. ^

Federal System

Power shared between national and state governments; US, Mexico, Nigeria. ^

Confederal System

States hold most power; central government weak; US under AOC. ^

Majoritarian Democracy

Majority vote forms government and makes decisions. ^

Initiative

Citizens can propose new laws or amendments. ^

Referendum

Citizens can approve or reject laws already passed. ^

Recall

Voters can remove an official before term ends.