Study Guide

Federal system of government

A system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments.

Great Compromise

Agreement reached between large and small states at the Constitutional Convention, which established a bicameral legislature with representation based on both population and equal representation for each state.

Weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation

No central government, no power to collect taxes, enforce laws, or regulate trade, no national military, states only had one vote in Congress, and no judicial branch (court system).

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution that outlines the goals of the government.

Ensure domestic tranquility

One of the goals stated in the preamble, aiming to maintain peace and order within the country.

Establish justice

One of the goals stated in the preamble, aiming to create a fair and equitable legal system.

Form a more perfect union

One of the goals stated in the preamble, aiming to strengthen the unity and cooperation among the states.

Secure blessings of liberty

One of the goals stated in the preamble, aiming to protect individual freedoms and rights.

Provide for the common defense

One of the goals stated in the preamble, aiming to protect the country from external threats.

Promote the general welfare

One of the goals stated in the preamble, aiming to improve the well-being and quality of life for all citizens.

We the people

The phrase that begins the Constitution, emphasizing that the power of the government comes from the people.

Three levels of government

Local, state, and federal governments.

Checks & balances

A system created to ensure that no branch of the federal government becomes too powerful, with each branch having the ability to limit the powers of the other branches.

Three branches of government

Executive (President), Legislative (Congress), and Judicial (Supreme Court).

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect individual rights and freedoms.

Natural born rights

Rights that are believed to be inherent to all individuals.

First Amendment

Protects freedom of speech, religion, press, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express opinions and ideas without government interference.

Freedom of Religion

The right to practice any religion or no religion at all without government interference.

Freedom of the Press

The right to publish and distribute information without government censorship.

Right to petition the government

The right to address grievances and make requests to the government.