U.S. Government and Constitutional Foundations

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the foundations of the U.S. government, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and debates surrounding federalism and representation.

Articles of Confederation

The first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, designed to limit the powers of the central government.

Great Compromise

Agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with equal representation for states in the Senate and population-based representation in the House.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that allowed states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population for representation and taxation purposes.

Federalists

Those who supported a stronger national government and the ratification of the Constitution.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored retaining power by state governments and feared the concentration of power in the national government.

Checks and Balances

A system in the Constitution that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, intended to protect individual rights and liberties from government overreach.

Separation of Powers

A principle in the Constitution that divides government responsibilities among distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Shay’s Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by farmers protesting economic injustices and the lack of governmental response, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalism

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