Study giude for American gov. Exam #2

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.