Government Unit 2

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