amsco 1.5

House of Representatives

Lower chamber of Congress where representation is based on state population—members serve two-year terms, designed to reflect the people’s will.

Senate

Upper chamber of Congress with equal representation for each state—two senators per state serving six-year terms, designed to provide stability and protect state interests.

Two-house (bicameral) Congress

Legislature with two chambers—the House and Senate—created by the Great Compromise to balance representation for large and small states.

Article V of original Constitution

Section outlining the process to amend the Constitution, requiring proposal by Congress or states and ratification by states. No longer need for unanimous vote, only 2/3 from both houses or congress for initiating, and 3/4 of all states to ratify.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties and limiting government power—added to gain Anti-Federalist support.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates replaced the Articles of Confederation with the U.S. Constitution.

Electoral College

System for electing the president where each state has electors equal to its members in Congress—balances influence between large and small states.

Every Student Succeeds Act

2015 law replacing No Child Left Behind, giving states more control over education standards and accountability.

Great Compromise

Agreement at the Constitutional Convention creating a bicameral Congress with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state—favored by small states.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population—favored by large states.

No Child Left Behind

2002 law increasing federal role in education through testing, standards, and sanctions for underperforming schools.

Race to the Top

2009 federal program offering grants to states that adopted certain education reforms and innovations.

Ratification

Formal approval of the Constitution or amendments—required by nine of thirteen states for the Constitution to take effect.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

USA PATRIOT Act

2001 law expanding government surveillance and law enforcement powers to combat terrorism—raised civil liberties concerns.