Shay's Rebellion
Rebellion led by Daniel Shays of farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787, protesting mortgage foreclosures. It highlighted the need for a strong national government just as the call for the Constitutional Convention went out. provided evidence that the Articles of Confederation were too weak to govern effectively. made evident the weaknesses in the government created by the Articles of Confederation
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
most important legislation passed under the Articles of Confederation which created the first organized territory of the United States and established a plan for settling new territory and admitting new states.
George Washington
was unanimously elected presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention in 1787
Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
location of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Virginia Plan
the plan that favored the large states; it suggested a bicameral legislature with representation based on population.
New Jersey Plan
plan developed in response to the Virginia plan; it suggested a unicameral legislature with equal representation from each state.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Compromise reached between northern and southern states over slavery; slaves were to count as 3/5 of a person for the purpose of representation and taxation
James Madison
known as the "Father of the Constitution"; he also helped construct the Virginia plan of government which promoted the concept of public official elected by the people and a large republican government.
Influences on the Framers of the Constitution
their English heritage, their experiences in colonial government, their reading the works of Enlightenment philosophers
"We the people of the United States..."
beginning of the Preamble of the Constitution
Articles I, II, and III of the Constitution
Defined the legislative (I), executive (II), and judicial (III) powers
Article III
Establishes the Judicial Branch
Article II
Executive Branch
Article I
Legislative Branch
Article VII
Ratification
Article VI
Constitution is the supreme law of the land
popular sovereignty
A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.
limited government
The idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens.
Marbury v. Madison
This case establishes the Supreme Court's power of Judicial Review
federalism
A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments
rule of law
principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern
separation of powers
Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law
checks and balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
nine of thirteen
How many states had to vote for the Constitution to approve it
Bill of Rights
added to the United States Constitution in an effort to encourage ratification of the United States Constitution. written to be sure that individual rights of citizens would be protected under the new, stronger central government.
Patrick Henry
Antifederalist leader
First Amendment
5 freedoms: speech, press, religion, assembly, petition
7th Amendment
Right to jury in civil trials.
Third Amendment
No quartering of soldiers
9th Amendment
Citizens entitled to rights not listed in the Constitution
10th Amendment
Powers Reserved to the States
state legislatures
ratify amendments to the Constitution
state level
A formal amendment is proposed at the national level and ratified at the
Informal Amendment Process
executive actions, judicial decisions, basic legislation passed by Congress
the practices of political parties
The process of nominating candidates for office is not contained in the United States Constitution. This is an example of informal change that has occurred through:
custom
The frequent repetition of an act, to the extent that it becomes characteristic of the group of people performing the act.
15th Amendment (1870)
U.S. cannot prevent a person from voting because of race, color, or creed
19th Amendment (1920)
Gave women the right to vote
13th Amendment
abolished slavery
14th Amendment
Declares that all persons born in the U.S. are citizens and are guaranteed equal protection of the laws