gov u1 test

9/3

sovereignty

ability to rule absolutely within a territory

confederation

independent states working together

unitary government

authority holds the most power over local government

totalitarian government

state has absolute power

republic

powers held by people and elected representatives

parliamentary gov

parliament=legislative, prime minister=president

connnecticut (great) compromise

population v equality; created bicameral legislative

federalist papers

85 essays promoting ratification of us constitution

anti-federalist

favor articles of confederation

federalists

favored consitution

popular sovereignty

people have the right to decide how they are governed

declaration of independence

document declaring colonies freedom from British rule

shays rebellion

farmers in debt after the American revolutionshays

checks and balances

3 branches of government that limit each other's powers to prevent abuse

forced origin theory

person/group forcibly took control

evolutionary origin theory

family structure took leadership

divine origin theory

god choose a born-royalty to lead

social contract

government power is given from the people

democracy concepts

individual freedom, minority rights, and equality

FOUR characteristics of a state

territory, government, population, sovereignty

sources of ideas for the us constitution

magna carta and English bill of rights

social contract theory (Locke)

people - the king, revolting, protect natural rights

articles of confederation weaknesses

no power/collection of taxes/enforcement

critical period

time under the articles

constitutional convention purpose

fix articles of confederation

father of the constitutions

james madison

constitutional convention major issue

state representation

legislative/congress

law makers

judiciary/supreme court

interpret laws

executive/president

enforces laws

ratifying the constitution

9/13 states

amendment process

congress proposes (2/3), national convention (2/3), ratified (3/4), national convention (3/4)

how to informally amend constitution

legilation by Congress, tradition, executive action by P, supreme court