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Declaration of Independence
A document declaring the American colonies' independence from Britain and establishing that government exists to secure rights.
Purpose of the Declaration of Independence
To declare independence from Britain and affirm that government exists to secure individual rights.
Articles of Confederation
The first governing document of the United States, creating a loose union of states with a perpetual union.
Shay’s Rebellion
An uprising that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the lack of national executive and military.
Virginia Plan
Proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, advocating for a strong national government.
New Jersey Plan
A proposal for a unicameral legislature that allowed for equal representation regardless of state size.
Connecticut Compromise
Established a bicameral Congress with a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation.
Federalist 10
An essay by Madison arguing that factions are inevitable in a democracy and that a large republic can control them.
Brutus 1
An essay expressing concerns about the viability of a large republic and the potential for tyranny.
Enumerated Powers
Specific powers granted to Congress as listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.
Supremacy Clause
Article VI of the Constitution that establishes federal law as the supreme law of the land.
Ratification
The formal approval process required for the Constitution, requiring the consent of 9 out of 13 states.
Bicameralism
The practice of having two chambers in the legislature, commonly referred to as the House of Representatives and Senate.
Consent of the governed
The principle that government’s legitimacy comes from the consent of those it governs.
Factions (Madison’s definition)
Groups that form in society and act against the common good.
Extended Republic
A large republic that helps prevent any single faction from dominating by increasing diversity of interests.
Federalists
Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong national government.
Anti-Federalists
Opponents of the Constitution who were concerned about the concentration of power in the federal government.
