scale 3 terms

Anti-Federalists

opponents of ratification of the U.S. Constitution, who favored the loose association of states established under the Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation

Weak document written before the Constitution that was a loose partnership between political groups

confederation

an alliance between political groups

constitutionalism

the belief that governments should operate according to an agreed set of principles, which are usually spelled out in a written constitution

Elastic clause (necessary and proper)

a clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress to stretch its lawmaking powers to include laws that are for carrying out its duties; also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause

federal system

a political system in which power is divided between a central government and smaller regional governments

Federalists

supporters of ratification of the U.S. Constitution, who favored the creation of a strong federal government that shared power with the states

majority rule

the idea that decisions approved by more than half of the people in a group or society will be accepted and observed by all of the people

ratification

formal approval of an agreement, treaty, or constitution

representative government

a political system in which power is exercised by elected leaders who work in the interests of the people

Supremacy clause

a clause in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, stating that it is the “supreme Law of the Land”; this means that federal law supersedes all state and local laws