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Declaration of Independence
Document declaring the American colonies' independence from British rule, adopted on July 4, 1776.
Articles of Confederation
The first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a weak national government.
Federalist Papers
A series of essays written to support the ratification of the Constitution, advocating for a strong national government.
Anti-Federalists
Opponents of the Constitution who argued for the protection of states' rights and feared a strong central government.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to protect individual liberties and rights.
Virginia Plan
Proposal for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, favoring larger states.
New Jersey Plan
Proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states.
Connecticut Compromise
Agreement that established a bicameral legislature with both equal representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House.
3/5 Compromise
Agreement that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes in Congress.
Separation of Powers
The division of government responsibilities into three branches:legislative, executive, and judicial, to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Checks and Balances
A system that ensures that no branch of government exceeds its powers, allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.
Amendment Process
The procedure for changing the Constitution, requiring proposal by two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Suffrage
The right to vote in political elections, which was expanded to include women with the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Proposed amendment aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights regardless of sex, which failed to be ratified.
Supremacy Clause
Clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state laws.
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Article IV provision requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.
Shays’ Rebellion
An armed uprising in 1786 led by Daniel Shays, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Constitutional Convention
The 1787 meeting where delegates drafted the new Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.
Federalism
The division of power between national and state governments, allowing for shared governance.
James Madison
A Founding Father and key architect of the Constitution, known for his contributions to the Federalist Papers and the concept of checks and balances.
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