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Virginia Plan
Proposal for a strong national government with representation based on population.
New Jersey Plan
Proposal for a weaker national government with equal representation for each state.
Great Compromise
Agreement that established a bicameral legislature.
Ratification
The process of formally approving the Constitution.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Agreement counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation.
Checks and Balances
System ensuring that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.
Separation of Powers
Division of government responsibilities into distinct branches.
Federalism
System of government where power is divided between national and state governments.
Enumerated Powers
Powers specifically granted to the federal government.
Implied Powers
Powers not explicitly stated but necessary to implement the enumerated powers.
Supremacy Clause
Establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.
Necessary and Proper Clause
Grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.
Reserve Powers
Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.
Civil Liberties
Individual rights protected by law from governmental interference.
Civil War Amendments
Amendments 13, 14, and 15, addressing issues related to slavery and citizenship.
Bicameral Legislature
A legislature with two houses, as established by the Great Compromise.
Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Proposed amendment aimed at guaranteeing equal legal rights for all American citizens.
Due Process
Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person.
Articles of Confederation
The first governing document of the United States, which ultimately failed due to a weak central government.
Constitutional Convention
Meeting held in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and draft the Constitution.
Boston Tea Party
A protest against British taxation that escalated tensions leading to the American Revolution.
Declaration of Independence
Document declaring the colonies' independence from British rule, emphasizing unalienable rights.
First Continental Congress
Meeting of delegates from the colonies to respond to British policies.
Second Continental Congress
Assembly of delegates that managed the colonial war effort and moved incrementally towards independence.
Revolutionary War
Conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain that resulted in American independence.
U.S
The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of government and fundamental rights.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ensuring individual liberties.
Amendments
Changes or additions to the Constitution, which require a specific process to be ratified.
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