Prep 3 - The Constitutional Convention: The Nature and Notice of Compromise and Ratification

Key Terms and Names for Topics 1.5 - 1.3.

Article V

Section of the Constitution outlining the process to amend the Constitution; ensures flexibility and adaptation over time.

Bicameral

Two-house legislature; in the U.S., House of Representatives (population-based) and Senate (equal representation)

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing individual liberties, added to satisfy Anti-Federalists.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates drafted the U.S. Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Electoral College

System for electing the president, balancing popular vote and state influence; each state gets electors equal to its congressional representation.

Every Student Succeeds Act (2015)

Modern federal law giving states flexibility in education policy while maintaining accountability standards.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Merged Virginia and New Jersey Plans: bicameral legislature with proportional House and equal Senate.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for equal representation of states in Congress, favoring smaller states.

No Child Left Behind (2002)

Federal law emphasizing standardized testing and accountability in education; shows historical expansion of federal powers.

Race to the Top

Federal initiative incentivizing state education reforms through competitive funding.

Ratification

Formal approval process; Constitution required approval by nine of thirteen states to become law.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Slaves counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes; resolved north-south disputes.

USA PATRIOT Act (2001)

Federal legislation expanding government surveillance powers; example of central authority balancing security and civil liberties.

Virginia Plan

Large-state proposal for representation based on population; served as basis for debate at the Constitutional Convention.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution; wanted strong state governments and protections for individual rights; pushed for the Bill of Rights.

Brutus No. 1

Famous Anti-Federalist essay warning that a strong central government could become tyrannical.

Faction

Group of citizens united by a common interest adverse to the rights of others or the public good (Madison’s Federalist No. 10).

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution; advocated for strong central government to maintain order and unity.

Federalist No. 10

Madison essay arguing that a large republic would control the effects of factions and protect minority rights.

James Madison

“Father of the Constitution”; key architect of the Constitution, Federalist Papers, and Bill of Rights.