U.S. Constitution and Founding Principles: Key Concepts and Debates

Articles of Confederation

America's first constitution that created a weak central government.

Bicameralism

A legislature with two chambers or houses.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments protecting individual freedoms.

Checks and balances

Each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

Common Sense/Thomas Paine

Pamphlet urging American independence from Britain.

Constitution (various aspects)

The framework outlining U.S. government structure and powers.

Constitutional Amendments and process

Formal changes made through proposal and ratification.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting where the U.S. Constitution was written.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring separation from Britain and stating natural rights.

Elastic clause

Gives Congress power to make laws necessary to carry out its duties.

Electoral college

System for electing the president through state-appointed electors.

Enumerated powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for the federal government.

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Federalist 10

Essay by Madison arguing that a large republic prevents faction dominance.

Federalist papers

Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

Supporters and opponents of the new Constitution.

Formal and informal constitution

Written laws versus unwritten customs that shape government.

Full faith and credit clause

States must honor other states' laws and court decisions.

Great Compromise/Connecticut Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature with Senate and House.

Impeachment

Process to remove a government official for wrongdoing.

Implied powers

Powers not stated but suggested by the Constitution.

Judicial review

Courts can declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Legislative v executive power

Congress makes laws; the president enforces them.

Limited government

Government powers are restricted by law to protect citizens' rights.

Major ideas debated over constitution

Representation, federal vs. state power, slavery, and rights.

Majority v. minority rights

Balancing rule by the majority with protection for minorities.

Marbury v Madison

Established the principle of judicial review.

Monarchy

Government ruled by a king or queen.

National supremacy clause (supremacy clause)

Federal laws override conflicting state laws.

Natural rights

Rights inherent to all humans—life, liberty, and property.

Necessary and proper clause

Allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its powers.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed equal representation for each state in Congress.

Parliamentary system

Executive derives power from the legislature.

Pluralism

Power is shared among multiple groups to prevent dominance.

Popular sovereignty

Government's authority comes from the people.

Power of the purse

Congress's authority to control government spending.

Proprietary Colony

Colony run by individuals or groups granted land by the king.

Ratification of constitution

The process of formally approving the Constitution.

Republican democracy

Government where people elect representatives to make decisions.

Republicanism

Philosophy emphasizing civic virtue and representative government.

Reserved powers

Powers kept by the states under the Tenth Amendment.

Second Treatise on Government (John Locke)

Work advocating natural rights and government by consent.

Shays Rebellion

Uprising showing weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Social contract

Idea that people give up some freedom for government protection.

Theocracy

Government ruled by religious leaders or principles.

Three-fifths compromise

Counted enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for representation.

Virginia Plan

Proposed representation based on population size.