Speech on Amendments to the Constitution Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and proposed amendments from James Madison's speech on June 8, 1789.

James Madison

Representative who delivered a speech on June 8, 1789, proposing that Congress consider amendments to the U.S. Constitution to secure individual rights and quiet public anxiety.

Mr. Jackson

The gentleman from Georgia who opposed going into a committee of the whole regarding constitutional amendments.

5th Article of the Constitution

The constitutional provision outlining the procedure under which James Madison moved to appoint a select committee to consider and report proposed amendments to state legislatures.

Bill of Rights

A declaration incorporated into the system of government to limit and qualify the powers of government by excepting cases in which it ought not to act or act only in a particular mode.

Magna Charta

The British document that raises a barrier against the power of the crown but leaves legislative power indefinite and lacks security for freedom of the press and rights of conscience.

Bulwarks of Liberty

A phrase used by James Madison to describe the freedom of the press.

Paper Barriers

Constitutional declarations of rights intended to establish public opinion, impress respect, and control the majority from infringing on minority rights.

Independent Tribunals of Justice

The judicial bodies that James Madison stated will consider themselves guardians of rights and an impenetrable bulwark against legislative or executive assumptions of power.

Necessary and Proper Clause

The constitutional clause granting Congress power to execute its granted powers, which Madison noted could allow discretionary means (such as general warrants) if not limited by explicit rights protections.

General Warrants

Search and seizure warrants issued without probable cause, supported by oath, or specific descriptions, cited by Madison as a potential abuse in revenue collection if not restricted.

Double Security

The concept of extending constitutional restrictions against violating rights of conscience, freedom of the press, and jury trials to state governments in addition to the federal government.

Proposed Compensation Amendment

A proposed addition to Article 1st, section 6, clause 1 specifying that no law varying the compensation last ascertained shall operate before the next ensuing election of representatives.

Proposed Separation of Powers Clause

A proposed amendment specifying that the legislative department shall never exercise executive or judicial powers, nor executive exercise legislative or judicial, nor judicial exercise legislative or executive powers.

Proposed Reserved Powers Clause

An amendment explicitly stating that the powers not delegated by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the States respectively.

Trial by Jury

A right resulting from the social compact, described by Madison as essential to secure the liberty of the people in criminal cases and suits at common law.