Introduction to the U.S. Constitution and Government Structure

Vocabulary flashcards covering the foundation of the U.S. government, legislative plans, constitutional compromises, and federal structure.

George Washington

The leader selected to head the new United States government as President.

Articles of Confederation

The initial list of rules and laws for the government that failed because it gave too much power to individual states.

Virginia Plan

A legislative proposal offering two houses in legislature with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A legislative proposal offering one house in legislature where all states have equal representation.

Connecticut Compromise

The agreement that created a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Senate

The legislative house where each state has equal representation with two senators.

House of Representatives

The legislative house where representation is based on the population of each state.

Three Branches of Government

The division of power into the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.

Checks and Balances

A system implemented to ensure each branch of government has powers over the others to prevent any single branch from abusing its power.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement specifying that three-fifths of enslaved individuals were counted for both state representation and taxation.

Federalism

A system of government in which both national and state governments hold unique powers, with national law as the supreme federal law.

Federalist Papers

A series of writings by James Madison, Hamilton, and John Jay created to convince larger states to ratify the Constitution.

Three Parts of the Constitution

The structural divisions of the Constitution consisting of the Preamble, the Articles, and the Bill of Rights/amendments.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution that protect individual rights.