Creating a Constitution - Fill-in-the Blank Study Guide

Commerce Clause

Allows the national government to regulate trade among the states, with foreign nations, and with Native American tribes.

Great Compromise

Created a bicameral Congress, balancing the interests of large and small states by establishing both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Stated that three out of every five enslaved people would be counted for representation in Congress.

Articles of Confederation

The first national government of the United States, characterized by a weak central government and strong state powers.

Federalists

Individuals who supported a strong national government and the ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Individuals who opposed the Constitution, fearing that a strong central government would diminish states' powers.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to determine if a law is unconstitutional.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Impeachment

The process by which a public official is charged with misconduct.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with mechanisms to limit the powers of the others.