American Revolution and Early American Government

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, compromises, government branches, checks and balances, and constitutional powers from the early American government lecture notes.

Causes of the American Revolution

Key factors leading to the revolution, including taxation without representation, British trade restrictions, Enlightenment ideas, colonial protests, and British military actions.

Outcomes of the American Revolution

Key results of the revolution, including independence under the Treaty of Paris, the creation of the Articles of Confederation, and new political ideas such as liberty and republicanism.

Necessary Evil

A concept in early American government stating that government is needed to prevent chaos even if people do not want one.

Articles of Confederation

The early framework of American government whose weaknesses included an inability to enforce taxes, no military, no executive branch, difficulty passing laws, states overriding federal laws, and vulnerabilities exposed by Shays' Rebellion.

Philadelphia Convention

A meeting convened for the purpose of fixing the Articles of Confederation and deciding representation in Congress.

James Madison

Known as the Father of the Constitution who also helped write the Bill of Rights.

Virginia Plan

A constitutional proposal for representation in government based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A constitutional proposal for equal representation for all states.

Great Compromise

An agreement that created a bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate with equal representation and a House of Representatives with population-based representation.

Census

The process used for counting population to determine representation.

3/5 Compromise

An agreement specifying that 3 out of every 5 enslaved people counted for representation.

Interstate Commerce Clause

A clause stating that the national government controls trade between states and foreign nations.

Federalists

A group that supported a strong national government.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written for the purpose of convincing people to adopt the new Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting individual rights.

Supreme Law of the Land

The principle that the Constitution overrides all other laws.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), and Judicial (interprets laws).

Legislative Checks on the President

Powers granted to the Legislative branch over the Executive branch, specifically overriding a veto and impeaching the President.

Legislative Checks on the Courts

Powers granted to the Legislative branch over the Judicial branch, specifically approving judges and impeaching judges.

Executive Check on Congress

The power of the Executive branch to veto laws passed by Congress.

Executive Check on the Courts

The power of the Executive branch to appoint judges.

Judicial Check on Congress & President

The power of the Judicial branch to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Amendment Process

The official steps to amend the Constitution: 1. Propose amendment, 2. 3/4 of states must approve.

Enumerated/Expressed Powers

Government powers explicitly written in the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers set aside specifically for the states.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both national and state governments.

Denied Powers

Powers that Congress cannot pass or exercise.

Implied Powers

Government powers that are not explicitly written in the Constitution.