history9

Failures of the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation lacked a strong central government, gave states too much power, had no power to tax, and could not regulate commerce.

Debates at the Constitutional Convention

Debates included representation in Congress and the balance of power between large and small states.

The Great Compromise

Settled the issue of representation in Congress by creating a bicameral legislature with the House based on population and the Senate providing equal representation.

Three branches of government

The three branches are the Legislative (Congress), Executive (President), and Judicial (Supreme Court). Each branch has distinct powers.

Legislative Branch

Makes laws; composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Executive Branch

Enforces laws; led by the President.

Judicial Branch

Interprets laws; made up of the Supreme Court and other federal courts.

Separation of Powers

A principle that divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to monitor and limit the actions of the others.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the Constitution, which formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Purpose of the Electoral College

Created to balance the influence of populous states in presidential elections and to protect against uninformed voting.

Federalists

Supported the Constitution and a strong central government, believing it was necessary for national stability.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the Constitution, fearing that a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and state rights.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to protect individual liberties and rights.

Rights and protections under the Bill of Rights

Includes freedoms such as speech, religion, assembly, and the right to bear arms, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Constitution and slavery

The Constitution allowed slavery to continue, counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and not addressing the issue directly.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.

Republicanism

A principle that emphasizes the importance of civic virtue and the rule of law in governing a state.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states).

Limited Government

The idea that the government is restricted in its powers and cannot infringe on individual rights.

Individual Rights

The liberties and protections guaranteed to individuals, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to due process.

The Constitutional Convention

A meeting in 1787 where delegates drafted the Constitution in response to weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Missouri Compromise

A compromise in 1820 that allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state; established the 36°30′ line.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a strong national government with representation based on population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed a single legislative house with equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

A compromise in which three out of every five slaves would be counted for determining representation and taxation.