AP US GoPo Chapter 1

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.