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Separation of Powers

Separation of Powers

Dividing government into three branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) to prevent abuse of power.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures accountability by allowing each branch of government to limit the powers of the others.

Ambition Countering Ambition

A concept recognizing the human desire for power and using structured competition between branches to maintain balance.

Federalism

The distribution of power between state and federal governments to prevent tyranny.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination; ensures due process and prohibits double jeopardy.

6th Amendment

Ensures rights of the accused, including speedy trials and the right to legal counsel.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments.

The Great Compromise

Established a bicameral legislature; House representation based on population and Senate with equal representation.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Lacked an executive branch, judiciary, and the power to tax or regulate trade.

Direct Democracy

A form of government in which citizens participate directly in decision-making.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Magna Carta

A document that limited the power of the king and established rights such as trial by jury.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-house legislature, as seen in the U.S. Congress.

Unicameral Legislature

A single-house legislature, as in the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared centralized power and sought a Bill of Rights.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted the need for a stronger central government due to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

3/5 Compromise

A compromise that counted each enslaved person as 3/5 of a person for purposes of representation in Congress.

Virginia Plan

Proposed representation in Congress based on population, favoring large states.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed equal representation in Congress for all states, favoring small states.

Federalist Papers

Essays promoting ratification of the Constitution, authored mainly by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, addressing Anti-Federalists' concerns over individual rights.

Quorum

The minimum number of representatives needed to conduct legislative business.

Ekklesia

The assembly in Ancient Athens for making major decisions.

Boule

The council managing daily affairs in Ancient Athens.

Dikasteria

The courts with citizen jurors in Ancient Athens.