Unit 2: U.S. Constitution - Foundations of American Democracy-Matching Quiz review

Vocabulary flashcards covering early American government concepts, constitutional principles, the structure of government, and key amendments.

Articles of Confederation

America’s weak first plan of government that couldn't collect taxes or enforce laws.

Shays’ Rebellion

A revolt by poor farmers that proved the first central government was too weak to keep order.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that the government gets its power from the people ("We the People").

Federalism

Splitting power between the national government and the state governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers kept only for state governments, like running schools and local elections.

Checks and Balances

Ways for each branch of government to stop the other branches from becoming too powerful.

Judicial Review

The power of judges to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

Great Compromise

An agreement that created two parts of Congress: equal seats in the Senate and seats based on population in the House.

Federalists

People who supported a strong central government to keep order and build a stable economy.

Anti-Federalists

People who wanted strong state governments and demanded a Bill of Rights before accepting the new Constitution.

"Necessary & Proper" Clause

A rule in the Constitution giving Congress flexible power to make extra laws needed to do its main job.

Electoral College

The special system used to choose the President, balancing state votes and popular votes.

Census

An official count of every person in the U.S. every ten years to decide how many lawmakers each state gets.

1st Amendment

Protects freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petitioning the government.

4th Amendment

Stops police from searching your property or taking your things without a valid reason or warrant.

5th Amendment

Protects people on trial by banning double trial for the same crime and allowing you to stay silent.

6th Amendment

Guarantees a fast, public, and fair trial with a lawyer and impartial jury.

10th Amendment

States that any power not given to the national government belongs to the states or the people.

19th Amendment

Gave all women the right to vote.

22nd Amendment

Sets a two-term limit for Presidents (8 years total).