CH 2

Virginia Plan

A framework for the constitution that called for representation in the national legislature based on the population of each state.

New Jersey Plan

A framework for the constitution that called for equal state representation in the national legislature regardless of population.

Three-Fifths Compromise

The agreement reached at the constitutional convention of 1787 that stipulated that for purposes of apportioning congressional seats, only three-fifths of enslaved people would be counted.

Articles of Confederation

America’s first written constitution; served as the basis for America’s national government until 1789.

Significance of Shay’s Rebellion

To prevent the state of Massachusetts from foreclosing on the land of debt-ridden farmers.

Great Compromise

The agreement reached at the national convention of 1787 that gave each state an equal number of senators regardless of its population but linked representation in the House of Representatives to population.

Amendment Process

The process to change the U.S. Constitution, which requires significant agreement from different groups of people.

Proposed Amendments

Since the Constitution was adopted, there have been more than 11,000 proposed amendments, but only 27 have been ratified.

Ratification Requirement

For an amendment to go into effect, 9 out of the 13 original states must agree.

Development of Constitutional Democracy

Required making tough compromises to keep the country together, even if those compromises conflicted with core beliefs in equality and freedom.

Excessive Democracy Prevention

The framers aimed to prevent too much power in the hands of the people to avoid instability.

Government Structure

Established a government with three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to ensure no single branch became too powerful.

Bill of Rights

Added to protect individual freedoms and ensure public support for the new government system.

3 Branches of Government

Enabled by separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Legislative Branch

Passes federal laws, controls federal appropriations, approves treaties and presidential appointments, regulates interstate commerce, and establishes a lower court system.

Executive Branch

Enforces laws, serves as commander in chief of armed forces, makes foreign treaties, proposes laws, and appoints Supreme Court judges.

Judicial Branch

Decides the constitutionality of laws, reviews lower court decisions, and decides cases involving disputes between states.