Articles of Confederation Vocab Quiz

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, they were added to ensure that the central/federal government would not take away our rights.

Republican

A form of government in which people are elected to make decisions for us. Sometimes called a “Republic” or Representative Democracy.

Judicial

The branch of government that interprets the laws. The most powerful part of this branch is the Supreme Court.

Senate

The chamber of Congress that has equal numbers from each state. TWO per state. There are 100 members total.

Federalists

They favored the ratification of the Constitution and wanted a strong national government.

Whiskey

This rebellion, in contrast to Shays’, demonstrated that the Constitution was strong enough to stop a domestic revolt.

Federalist Papers

Written to encourage the ratification/approval of the Constitution. These were essays that argued that a new Constitution was needed to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Separation of Powers

It describes the structure of the federal government that forbids any branch from becoming too powerful.

Bicameral

The type of legislature we have now. Meaning TWO chambers- House and Senate.

Limited

Our government is limited, meaning it is restricted in what it can do.

Representative

Representative Democracy. The type of democracy that we have in the United States. Some people represent the citizens in making decisions. Also called a “Republic”

Antifederalists

They opposed the Constitution because they feared a strong national government and wanted more power to the state governments. They argued in favor of adding a Bill of rights (1st 10 amendments to the Constitution) because it protects our rights from the government.

House

The chamber of Congress that bases representation on population. There are 435 members. (blank) of Representatives.

Unicameral

A legislature with one body- this was our government under the Articles of Confederation.

Sovereignty

Government can only consist with the consent of the governed- Popular (blank)

Articles of Confederation

The first Constitution- it had many weaknesses (e.g, couldn’t tax, no military, no executive) and was replaced with our current Constitution.

Checks and Balances

The structure of our government allows one branch to stop another branch from becoming too powerful. For example the Supreme Court can stop the executive branch’s actions.

Legislative

The branch of government that makes the laws. At the federal level Congress is comprised of the House and Senate.

Constitution

The basic rules and structure of a government.

Executive

The branch of government that enforces the laws.

Shays

His rebellion showed that the federal government was too weak under the Articles to deal with an insurgency or domestic uprising (this also showed a need for stronger national government).

Federal

Another name for the “central” or “national” government.