Understanding the U.S. Constitution

These flashcards cover important terms and concepts related to the U.S. Constitution and its creation.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States that created a weak national government, leading to calls for a stronger federal system.

Annapolis Convention

A meeting held in 1786 to discuss revising the Articles of Confederation, which was poorly attended with only five states represented.

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786 led by Daniel Shays, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger national government.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a new government structure that called for three branches of government and representation based on state population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal that aimed to revise the Articles of Confederation by providing equal representation for each state in Congress.

Great Compromise

An agreement that established a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for each state.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A constitutional agreement that counted three-fifths of the enslaved population for representation and taxation purposes.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional provision allowing Congress to make laws necessary to carry out its powers, often referred to as the elastic clause.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the Constitution declaring that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

Checks and Balances

A governmental system that ensures each branch can limit the powers of the other branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Electoral College

The body established by the Constitution that elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Ratification

The official approval of the Constitution or an amendment, requiring the consent of three-fourths of the states.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, like states.

Direct Election

The election of an official directly by the people, as opposed to being chosen by an intermediary body.