Gov Unit 1 - Founding Documents

Federalism

The division of power between the national government and state governments.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government gets its power from the people.

Limited Government

The principle that government power is restricted by laws and the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to determine whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay supporting ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalist Papers

Writings opposing ratification of the Constitution, often because of concerns about government power and individual rights.

Northwest Ordinance

A 1787 law that established a process for territories to become states and prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Articles of Confederation

The first framework of government for the United States, which created a weak national government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting individual freedoms and rights.

Amendments

Formal changes or additions to the Constitution.