The New Constitution, First Political Parties, and Key Constitutional Terms

Flashcards testing vocabulary terms, plans, compromises, and constitutional concepts from Chapter 11 (1787–1800) and key constitutional terms.

Virginia Plan

A plan proposing representation in Congress based on population, which favored large states.

New Jersey Plan

A plan proposing equal representation with 1 vote per state, which favored small states.

Great Compromise

Agreement that created a 2-house Congress consisting of the House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (equal—2 per state).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that counted 3 out of every 5 enslaved people for representation and taxes.

Federalists

Group supporting the Constitution and a strong central government; as a political party led by Hamilton, advocated for commercial interests.

Anti-Federalists

Group that feared tyranny and refused to ratify the Constitution until a Bill of Rights was added.

Hamilton's Economic Plan

Proposal where the Federal government would assume state debts, set up a National Bank, and levy tariffs; backed by a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

First Party System

Political system where Hamilton led the Federalists (commercial, strong national government) and Jefferson led the Democratic-Republicans (agrarian farmers, strict interpretation, states' rights).

Democratic-Republicans

Political party led by Jefferson representing agrarian farmers, supporting a strict interpretation of the Constitution and states' rights.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Laws passed under John Adams' government that made criticizing federal officials illegal.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolves

Resolutions written by Jefferson and Madison claiming states had the right to nullify (ignore) unconstitutional federal laws.

Delegated Powers

Powers explicitly assigned to the federal government, such as declaring war and coining money.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxing and setting up courts.

Elastic Clause

Provision in Article I granting Congress 'implied powers' to pass laws necessary and proper to carry out its duties.

Origination Clause

Constitutional requirement that all tax and tariff bills must start in the House of Representatives.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Legal protection preventing unlawful arrests by requiring police to show evidence and charge a person in court.

Bill of Attainder

An illegal law that punishes someone without a judicial trial, strictly forbidden by the Constitution.

Judicial Review

Power established in Marbury v. Madison giving the Supreme Court authority to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.