Constitution & Early Government Unit Review Packet

These flashcards contain key vocabulary terms related to the Constitution and early government in the United States, designed to assist with study and retention of material for the exam.

Articles of Confederation (AOC)

The first national government of the United States that gave most power to the states.

Northwest Ordinance

A law that created a plan for new states to join the United States and helped organize western lands.

Checks and Balances

A system that prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful by allowing each branch to check the powers of the others.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who believed a strong national government was necessary.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong national government and demanded a Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual freedoms.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by demonstrating the government's inability to maintain order.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes laws, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that enforces or carries out laws, headed by the President.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government that interprets laws and ensures they are applied fairly, led by the Supreme Court.

Impeach

To formally charge a government official, such as the President, with misconduct.

Constitution

The document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government and establishes the rights of the people.

Veto

The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Unconstitutional

Something that is not in accordance with, or violates, the Constitution.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to defend and promote the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalist View on Taxation

Believed the national government must have the power to levy taxes to pay debts and provide for the common defense.

Anti-Federalist View on the Executive

Feared that a single powerful executive would eventually become a monarch or a tyrant.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional provision supported by Federalists to allow flexible government power, but labeled the 'Elastic Clause' by Anti-Federalists who feared it granted unlimited authority.

Supremacy Clause

A clause stating the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land; Anti-Federalists argued this would swallow up state sovereignty.

Federalist View on a Standing Army

Argued it was necessary for national security, while Anti-Federalists feared it would be used by the government to oppress the people.

AOC Weakness: No Power to Tax

The national government could not levy taxes and was dependent on voluntary contributions from the states, leading to massive debt.

AOC Weakness: Lack of Executive Branch

There was no President to enforce laws, leaving the national government unable to carry out its own acts or maintain order.

AOC Weakness: No National Court System

The lack of a federal judiciary meant that legal disputes between different states could not be effectively resolved.

AOC Weakness: Amendment Process

Changes to the Articles required a unanimous vote of all 13 states, making it nearly impossible to fix governmnetal flaws.

AOC Weakness: Legislative Voting

Passing any major law required the approval of at least 9 out of 13 states, which often resulted in legislative gridlock.

AOC Weakness: Regulation of Commerce

The national government lacked the authority to manage trade between states, resulting in economic competition and trade wars.

Anti-Federalist View on Bill of Rights

Arguing that without a specific list of protected rights, the national government would eventually violate individual liberties.

Federalist View on Checks and Balances

Believed that dividing the government into three branches would prevent any single person or group from gaining absolute power.

Anti-Federalist View on Republic Size

Maintained that a large republic would lead to corruption and that democracy could only thrive in small, local communities.

Federalist View on State Sovereignty

Argued that while states would keep certain powers, a unified national government was essential for survival and international respect.