Federalists and Anti-Federalists: Key Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the Federalists and Anti-Federalists debate, the Constitutional Convention, and foundational government principles.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the proposed Constitution who believed it gave too much power to the federal government and threatened individual liberties.

Federalists

Supporters of the proposed Constitution who argued for a strong central government to ensure order and stability.

The Great Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention that created a two-house legislature, balancing representation between populous and smaller states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A compromise that counted three-fifths of a state's slave population for representation and taxation.

Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being represented; crucial in the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution, requiring confirmation by nine out of the thirteen states.

Checks and Balances

A system in which the different branches of government have the ability to limit each other's powers to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee specific rights and liberties to individuals.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central government and regional governments.