Civics + Econ: Unit 2 (Foundations of Gov)

Vocabulary terms, foundational definitions, Constitutional Convention debates, Articles, Amendments, and Preamble goals from Foundations of Government.

Sovereignty

Supreme power/authority.

Principle

Essential truth, moral, or idea/rule that sets the basis for a system of belief.

Charter

Government issued document giving permission to a group.

Statute

A written law passed by a legislative body.

Unalienable / Inalienable

Basic individual rights.

Inherent

Unchangeable qualities.

Compromise

An agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making a concession(s).

Delegates

A person sent to represent others in a conference.

Ordain

To make official.

Justice

Fairness/proper treatment of the law.

Domestic

Within the borders of a country.

Tranquility

Calm, peaceful, good order.

Welfare

Condition of well-being.

Posterity

Future generations.

Amend

A formal alteration/reform, revision.

Ratify

Approve, make officially valid.

The Virginia Plan

Constitutional Convention proposal that representation in Congress should be based on a state's population.

The New Jersey Plan

Constitutional Convention proposal that every state should have the same number of representatives, no matter the size.

The Great Compromise

Agreement that Congress would have two houses: 1. House of Representatives based on population; 2. Senate where each state gets two senators.

The Three-fifths Compromise

Agreement that decided how enslaved people would count for representation and taxes.

The Slave Trade Compromise

Agreement that Congress could not ban the slave trade for 20 years, but after that, it could regulate or stop it (1808).

The Constitution

The document that established the structure of the U.S. government.

Preamble

Part of the U.S. Constitution that explains the purpose of the Constitution and the goals of the government.

Article 1

Sets up the legislative branch (Congress) and explains its powers.

Article 2

Sets up the executive branch (President) and explains its powers.

Article 3

Sets up the judicial branch (Supreme Court and other federal courts) and explains its powers.

Article 6

Contains the Supremacy Clause establishing the 'supreme law of the land,' meaning that federal laws are stronger than state laws.

1st Amendment

Protects Fundamental Freedoms: RAPPS (religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition).

4th Amendment

Protects against illegal searches & seizures.

5th Amendment

Provides due process protections against the national government.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy trial, being informed of the accusation, being allowed witnesses, and the right to counsel (lawyer).

8th Amendment

Prohibits cruel or unusual punishment, and excessive fines or bail.

14th Amendment

Defines citizenship and due process protections against state and local government.

Due Process

An orderly system of prosecution protecting everyone's rights.

Rule of Law

The principle that everyone is under the law with no exceptions.

To form a more perfect union

Purpose of government intended to make the U.S. better than when under the Articles of Confederation.

To establish justice

Purpose of government intended to provide fair trials and due process.

To ensure domestic tranquility

Purpose of government intended for making the country peaceful.

To provide for the common defense

Purpose of government intended to protect the people and peace in the U.S.

To promote the general welfare

Purpose of government intended to make overall quality of life better.

To secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity

Purpose of government intended to ensure rights for current citizens and future generations.

Amending the Constitution

The process through which 27 amendments have been added; proposed by Congress or Convention and ratified by 3/4 of States.