Federalism and Constitutional Foundations (Video)

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms related to federalism, constitutional structure, and major political concepts from the video notes.

Bill of Rights and Anti-Federalists

The first ten amendments protecting individual rights; opposed by Anti-Federalists who feared a strong central government.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent tyranny.

Commerce Clause

Constitutional provision giving Congress power to regulate interstate and international commerce.

Compromise on slave importation

At the Constitutional Convention, an accord allowing Congress to prohibit the importation of enslaved people after 1808.

Concurrent powers

Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.

Connecticut compromise

Great Compromise: created a bicameral Congress with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Declaration of Independence

1776 document declaring the American colonies independent from Britain.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature based on state population.

1808 ban on slave importation

Federal prohibition on the international slave trade taking effect in 1808.

FEDERALISM

System of government that divides power between national and state governments.

Americans with Disabilities Act

1990 civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability.

Block grants

Federal funds given to states with broad purposes and flexibility in use.

Direct democracy

System in which citizens vote directly on laws and policies.

Electoral College

Body of electors who formally elect the president, with representation per state population.

Elite Democracy

View that political influence rests with a small, educated, and wealthy segment of society.

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution as belonging to the federal government.

Exclusive powers

Powers that are reserved for either the national government alone (often the federal) or specific authorities.

Extradition

Returning a person accused or convicted of crime to the jurisdiction where they fled.

Factions

Interest groups or organized groups with shared interests that influence government; discussed by Madison.

Federalist Papers

Essays written to promote ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalism

System dividing power between national and state governments.

Federalist and Anti-Federalist

Two groups debating ratification: Federalists supported the Constitution; Anti-Federalists favored stronger protections for individuals.

Fourteenth Amendment (due process and equal protection)

Amendment guaranteeing citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

States must recognize the public acts, records, and judicial decisions of other states.

Grand Committee

Selected group at the Constitutional Convention to resolve major differences leading to the Great Compromise.

Great Compromise – Connecticut

See Connecticut compromise; bicameral Legislature with proportional House and equal Senate representation.

House of Representatives

Lower chamber of Congress with representation based on state population.

Impeachment

Process for charging and removing federal officials for misconduct.

James Madison

Key architect of the Constitution and author of many Federalist Papers; “Father of the Constitution.”},{