Shaping a New Nation

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the formation of the United States government and the Constitution.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Confederation

An alliance where members hold most of the power, with a weak central authority.

Republicanism

The principle that government should be based on the consent of the governed.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment by the states.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written to support the ratification of the Constitution and a strong federal government.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Checks and Balances

A system in which the powers of government are divided among different branches to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that allowed a state to count three-fifths of its slave population for purposes of representation.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Confederation

An alliance where members hold most of the power, with a weak central authority.

Republicanism

The principle that government should be based on the consent of the governed.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment by the states.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written to support the ratification of the Constitution and a strong federal government.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Checks and Balances

A system in which the powers of government are divided among different branches to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that allowed a state to count three-fifths of its slave population for purposes of representation.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

Separation of Powers

The division of governmental roles into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power.

Great Compromise

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

Limited Government

A government whose power is restricted by specific laws and a written constitution.

Democracy

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Confederation

An alliance where members hold most of the power, with a weak central authority.

Republicanism

The principle that government should be based on the consent of the governed.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment by the states.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written to support the ratification of the Constitution and a strong federal government.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Checks and Balances

A system in which the powers of government are divided among different branches to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that allowed a state to count three-fifths of its slave population for purposes of representation.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

Separation of Powers

The division of governmental roles into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power.

Great Compromise

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

Limited Government

A government whose power is restricted by specific laws and a written constitution.

First Amendment

Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring a warrant based on probable cause.

Fifth Amendment

Ensures due process, protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and requires just compensation for private property taken for public use.

Eighth Amendment

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishments, excessive bail, and excessive fines.

Legislative Branch

Composed of Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), its main role is to make laws.

Executive Branch

Headed by the President, its main role is to enforce and administer laws.

Judicial Branch

Composed of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, its main role is to interpret laws and the Constitution.