Central Ideas in American Government - Video Notes

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A compromise counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation, giving slave states less power than a full count but more than none.

Articles of Confederation — lack of executive branch

The first U.S. Constitution created a national government without a chief executive, hindering decisive leadership and response to crises.

Shays' Rebellion

A 1786–87 uprising in Massachusetts that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and spurred calls for a stronger central government.

Declaration of Independence — primary purpose of government

The document explains that one of the government's primary purposes is to protect citizens’ rights.

Freedom House classification: United States is free

Freedom House rates the United States as 'free' in terms of political rights and civil liberties.

Constitutional design vs. practical power

Written constitutional design can name structures and rights, but how power is used in practice can differ based on interpretation and action.