Constitution

Alexander Hamilton

New York lawyer who advocated for a stronger national government to raise taxes.

James Madison

Persuaded Virginia to hold a national convention to overhaul the government; a key figure in drafting the Constitution.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for two legislatures with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for one legislature where each state had equal representation.

The Great Compromise

Decision to establish two legislatures: one with equal representation (Senate) and one based on population (House of Representatives).

Federalism

Division of powers between national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The principle that different branches of government have distinct responsibilities.

Checks and Balances

System by which each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, which had significant weaknesses.

Interstate Commerce Regulation

Congress could not regulate commerce between states under the Articles of Confederation.

1780s Economic Crisis

A financial crisis where farmers faced debt due to decreased demand for crops after the Revolution.

Shays Rebellion

A series of protests by farmers against state taxation and imprisonment for debt; led by Daniel Shays.

Federalists

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

The Federalist Papers

A series of essays defending the Constitution, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution who wanted a bill of rights.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution that limit government powers.

Republicans

Believers in a government focused on rural and agrarian interests.

Report on Manufactures

Hamilton's analysis advocating for a strong manufacturing sector in the US.

First Party System

An initial political division in the US where neither side recognized the other's rights.

Excise Tax

A tax on specific goods, enacted by Hamilton and narrowly passed.

George Washington

First president of the United States; set many precedents for the office.

John Adams

Vice president under George Washington, became president afterward.

Supreme Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary

The proposed structure of a central government as established by Madison.

Militia

A military force composed of ordinary citizens, used to suppress Shays Rebellion.

Springfield Armory

The target of farmers during Shays Rebellion, where arms were stored.

Debt Imprisonment

The law that allowed debtors to be imprisoned for failing to pay debts, causing unrest among farmers.