VI Federalism

Federalists

Advocates for a strong central government and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the need for national unity and a powerful executive. (Madison, Hamilton, Adams, Washington)

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a national (federal) government and various state governments, each having distinct spheres of authority.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, fearing a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty, advocating for a Bill of Rights. (Jefferson Publius)

Federalist #10

An essay written by James Madison arguing that a large republic with a strong federal government would be better able to control the 'mischiefs of faction' than a small republic.

Factions

Groups of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority, united by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.

The Great Compromise / The Connecticut Compromise

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives (Upper House based on population ) and the Senate (Lower House equal representation for each state).

Federal vs. State Powers

The division of governmental authority where federal powers (e.g., coining money, regulating interstate commerce) are distinct from state powers (e.g., education, local law enforcement), with some concurrent powers.

Powers of Congress vs. Executive

Congress holds legislative powers (e.g., making laws, declaring war, approving treaties), while the Executive Branch (President) holds executive powers (e.g., enforcing laws, commanding the military, conducting foreign policy). Each acts as a check on the other's power.

3/5 Clause

A provision in the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2, Clause 3) that dictated for purposes of representation and taxation, each enslaved person would be counted as three-fifths of a free person.

Laboratories of Democracy

A concept suggesting that states can experiment with new policies and programs; if successful, these can then be adopted by other states or the national government, as articulated by Justice Louis Brandeis.

Separation of Powers

he division of governmental power into distinct branches (legislative, executive, and judicial