AMSCO Ch. 2

Articles of Confederation

America’s first Constitution from 1781-1789, characterized by a weak central government and strong state governments.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising in Massachusetts during 1786-1787, led by Daniel Shays, protesting economic and civil rights injustices.

Bicameral

A legislature divided into two separate assemblies, chambers, or houses.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution that protect individual liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and press.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting held in 1787 where delegates from 12 states drafted the Constitution.

Electoral College

A system used for electing the President and Vice President, where citizens vote for electors pledged to specific candidates.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established the legislative structure and representation for each state under the Constitution.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal that emphasized power in the states and limited the powers of the federal government.

Ratification

The federal approval process for a decision, action, or plan.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for taxation and representation purposes.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong federal government with three branches and a bicameral legislature.

Article V

The section of the Constitution that outlines the amendment process.

Every Child Succeeds Act (2015)

Legislation allowing states to set their own education standards while ensuring protections for disadvantaged students, enacted by Barack Obama.

No Child Left Behind Act (2002)

Legislation aimed at improving teaching, testing, and implementing sanctions in education.

Race to the Top

An initiative encouraging states to adopt new national education standards and develop their own to prepare students for college and careers, initiated by Barack Obama.

USA PATRIOT Act (2001)

Legislation that expanded government powers for intelligence gathering, including phone tapping of suspects.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government has influence over the others and can block their procedures.

Federalist No

An essay by James Madison explaining the necessity of checks and balances in government.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities among the three branches:executive, legislative, and judicial.

Advice and Consent

The constitutional duty of the U.S. Senate to approve presidential appointments.

Impeachment

The formal process of accusing an official of unlawful activity.

Pocket Veto

A method by which a president can veto a bill by taking no action on it.

Veto

The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.