The Articles of Confederation & The Constitution

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

Articles of Confederation

The first set of rules that governed the United States.

Strengths of the Articles

The Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

Weaknesses of the Articles

No power to tax, no power to regulate trade, and a weak government.

Shays's Rebellion

A revolt by farmers against high taxes which led to revising the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting to revise the Articles of Confederation.

Framers of the Constitution

A group of 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention.

The Great Compromise

Resolved the disagreement over state representation through a two-house congress.

Bicameral

A legislature consisting of two houses.

The Three-fifths Compromise

Every 5 slaves counted as 3 people for representation purposes.

Popular Sovereignty

The idea that people have the power to govern themselves.

Natural Rights

Basic rights and freedoms that every person is born with.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government responsibilities into distinct branches.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch can limit the powers of the others.

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Delegated Powers

Powers given to the federal government by the Constitution, such as the power to coin money.

Reserved Powers

Powers that belong to the states or the people, such as the power to set up schools.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as the power to tax.

Federalists

Believed the Constitution was necessary for protecting the country and providing balance.

Anti-federalists

Believed the Constitution gave too much power to the government and wanted a bill of rights.

Legislative Branch

Responsible for making laws and checking other branches; includes the Senate and House of Representatives.

Executive Branch

Responsible for enforcing laws; includes the President, Vice President, and Cabinet.

Judicial Branch

Responsible for interpreting the law; includes the Supreme Court and federal courts.