Unit I Study Guide: Early Development of American Government

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering foundational concepts, key documents, Constitutional Articles, and Amendments from the Unit I Study Guide on Early American Government.

Magna Carta

An historic English document foundational to the early development of American government and legal principles.

John Locke and Thomas Hobbes

Key political philosophers whose ideas regarding government and human nature influenced early American political models.

Declaration of Independence

The founding document declaring the American colonies' independence from British rule.

Boston Tea Party

A major colonial protest against British taxation policies leading up to the American Revolution.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

An act adopted in 1787 that structured the settlement of the Northwest Territory and created a procedure for admitting new states.

Articles of Confederation

The first national constitutional framework adopted by the United States, known for its weak central government.

Shay's Rebellion

An armed uprising of Massachusetts farmers that exposed major weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and spurred calls for a stronger federal government.

Great Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with equal state representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House.

Framers of the Constitution

The delegates who drafted and constructed the United States Constitution at the Constitutional Conventions.

Virginia Plan

A constitutional proposal favored by larger states calling for a strong central government with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A constitutional proposal favored by smaller states advocating for equal representation for each state regardless of population.

3/5ths Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention to count three-fifths of the enslaved population for both representation and taxation purposes.

Bicameral vs. Unicameral

Bicameral describes a legislative body with two distinct chambers, whereas unicameral describes a legislative body with a single chamber.

Preamble of the Constitution

The introductory statement of the U.S. Constitution outlining the fundamental goals and principles of the government.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional clause giving Congress the implied power to pass laws required to carry out its enumerated powers.

Checks and Balances

A system designed to allow each branch of government to monitor and limit the powers of the other branches.

Federalist Papers

A collection of essays written to persuade American citizens and states to ratify the new U.S. Constitution.

Article I

The section of the U.S. Constitution that establishes and defines the structure and powers of the Legislative Branch.

Article II

The section of the U.S. Constitution that establishes and defines the powers and role of the Executive Branch.

Article III

The section of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the Judicial Branch and the Supreme Court.

Article IV

The section of the U.S. Constitution outlining relations among states and federal duties toward states.

Article V

The section of the U.S. Constitution detailing the official amendment process.

Article VI

The section of the U.S. Constitution establishing national supremacy and supreme law of the land.

Article VII

The section of the U.S. Constitution detailing the requirements for ratification of the Constitution.

5th Amendment

An amendment in the Bill of Rights famously summarized as 'I plead the 5th,' providing protection against self-incrimination.

Articles of the Constitution Chart

A chart organizing the breakdown and key functions of Articles I through VII of the U.S. Constitution.

Amendments to the Constitution Chart

A chart detailing each of the 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.