US Government - Colonial Beginnings

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from the lecture about the Colonial Beginnings of the United States government.

3/5 Compromise

An agreement that counted slaves as three-fifths of a person.

Act

A formal law that the British imposed on the colonies - often taxes.

Anti-Federalist

An opponent to the US Constitution.

Articles of Confederation

The document that established the first form of government over the United States.

Charter colonies

A colony owned and operated directly by a monarch or through his or her appointed governor.

Compromise

An agreement between two parties where both make concessions to reach a resolution.

Confederation

A union or alliance of independent states.

Electoral College

A body of representatives selected by each state to elect the president and vice president.

Executive Branch

The part of the government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

Export

Goods or services sent out of a country.

Federalist

A supporter of the US Constitution.

Fugitive Slave Clause

A part of the US constitution that required escaped slaves to be returned to their owners.

Import

Goods or services brought into a country.

Judicial Branch

The part of the government responsible for interpreting laws.

Legislative assembly

A representative body with the authority to make laws.

Legislative Branch

The part of the government responsible for making laws.

Northwest Ordinance

A 1787 law that allowed new states to join the United States.

Proprietary colonies

A colony owned and operated by a wealthy individual.

Royal colonies

A colony owned and operated directly by a monarch.

Salutary neglect

A 'hands off' approach to running colonies practiced by Great Britain.

Tariffs

Taxes imposed on imported or exported goods.

The Constitution

A document that established the second form of government - now the supreme law of the US.

The Great Compromise

An agreement that established a bicameral legislature combining elements of the VA and NJ plans.

Virtual representation

The idea that members of Parliament represent the interests of all British subjects.