Critical Period Test

First Amendment

Protects the rights to freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment

Protects the right not to have to quarter soldiers in your home.

Fourth Amendment

Protects the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Protects the right to due process of law, freedom from self-incrimination, and double jeopardy.

Sixth Amendment

Protects the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to an attorney, and the right to confront witnesses.

Seventh Amendment

Protects the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

Eighth Amendment

Protects the right to be free from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

Ninth Amendment

Protects rights that are not specifically listed in the Constitution.

Tenth Amendment

Reinforces the principle of federalism by stating that any powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Articles of Confederation

The first government of the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1789.

Republicanism

A government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Shays' Rebellion

A rebellion led by farmers against the government, demonstrating the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Philadelphia Convention

A gathering held in May 1787 to address the issues of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately create a new Constitution.

The Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

3/5 Compromise

Determined that for representation purposes, five slaves would count as three people.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch the ability to limit the powers of the others.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who desired a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong national government would threaten individual liberties.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.