U.S. Constitution – Framing Debates, Compromises, and Institutional Design

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts from the U.S. Constitution lecture, focusing on principles of governance and important historical compromises.

Federalism

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

Checks and Balances

Mechanisms that prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Separation of Powers

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

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong national government with representation based on population, which favored larger states.

Connecticut Compromise

Also known as the Great Compromise; established a bicameral legislature combining the Virginia and New Jersey Plans to balance representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted three out of every five enslaved individuals for purposes of representation and taxation.

Electoral College

An indirect method for electing the president, where each state appoints electors who then vote for the president.

Reserved Powers

Powers not explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution, intended to be retained by the states.

Fugitive Slave Clause

A provision in the Constitution requiring that escaped slaves be returned to their owners.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay arguing for the ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who argued for states' rights and a more decentralized government structure.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-chamber legislative system, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Slave Trade Clause

A provision that allowed the importation of slaves until 1808, after which the trade was to be banned.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government that makes laws, comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, headed by the president.

Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being represented.