Constitutional Foundations: Federalists vs Antifederalists and Ratification

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key terms and definitions related to the ratification debates, Federalists vs Antifederalists, and foundational constitutional concepts.

Ratification

The process by which the proposed Constitution was approved—required at least 9 of 13 state conventions, as outlined in Article VII.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government; led by Hamilton, Madison, and Washington; sometimes called Nationalists.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state power, feared centralized authority, and urged a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

85 essays (by Hamilton, Madison, Jay) defending the Constitution and explaining its principles.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments protecting individual rights; ratified 1791; initially applied to the federal government, later extended to states.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for representation by population in a bicameral legislature; favored by large states.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for equal representation for each state in a unicameral legislature; favored by small states.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

Established a bicameral Congress: House by population and Senate with equal state representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Rule counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for House representation (and taxation). Prolonged until 1868.

Supremacy Clause

National laws and treaties are the supreme law of the land, binding on states.

Elastic (Necessary and Proper) Clause

Allows Congress to make laws needed to exercise its enumerated powers; broadens federal power.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent tyranny.

Checks and Balances

System in which each branch can limit the powers of the others, creating mutual restraints.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments to prevent concentration of power.

Articles of Confederation

First US constitution; weak central government; no president; unicameral Congress; states retained sovereignty.

Shays’ Rebellion

1786–87 Massachusetts uprising that exposed the weaknesses of the Articles and spurred calls for a stronger national government.

Annapolis Convention

1786 meeting that urged a broader convention to strengthen the national government, leading to Philadelphia.

Declaration of Independence

Statement of American independence (1776) listing grievances and asserting unalienable rights and consent of the governed.

No Taxation without Representation

Colonists’ rallying slogan criticizing British taxation policies and fueling calls for independence.

Commerce and Finance Powers

National government powers to regulate commerce and manage finances, central to empowering the new framework.

Judicial Review

Power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional; established by Marbury v. Madison (1803), not explicitly in the Constitution.

Comity Clause (Privileges and Immunities Clause)

Article IV provision preventing states from discriminating against out-of-state citizens or goods.

Electoral College

Indirect system for electing the president; designed to balance popular will with states’ influence.

Direct Election of Senators (Seventeenth Amendment)

Originally senators were chosen by state legislatures; later changed to direct election by the people (Amendment in 1913).