constitution core knowledge

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S. from 1781 to 1788; it established a weak federal government that couldn't tax or enforce laws. Amendment required 9 out of 13 states.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting of state delegates in Philadelphia in 1787 which resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

U.S. Constitution

The document which lays out the laws and rules governing the federal government in the United States.

James Madison

A key Federalist leader, known as the 'father of the Constitution' and the fourth president of the United States.

Great Compromise

The agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature, balancing representation for larger and smaller states.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a two-house legislature with representation based on state population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan

Suggested a single-house legislature with equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states.

Roger Sherman’s Compromise

Proposed a bicameral legislature with representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Separation of Powers

The principle dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with distinct powers.

Legislative Branch

The branch primarily responsible for creating and proposing laws, needing a majority (51%) to pass legislation.

Executive Branch

The branch responsible for enforcing laws made by the legislative branch, headed by the president.

Judicial Branch

Comprises the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, tasked with interpreting laws and ensuring they are constitutional.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that no branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each to oversee and limit the others.

Veto Power

The president's power to refuse to sign a bill into law, which can be overridden by a 67% majority in Congress.

Impeachment

The process by which the House of Representatives charges a public official, such as the president, with misconduct.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between national and state authorities.

Electoral College

The body that elects the president, comprising electors based on the number of representatives and senators from each state.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution, including prominent figures like Alexander Hamilton.

Alexander Hamilton

The first Secretary of the Treasury, who advocated for a federal bank to stabilize the nation’s economy.

Anti-Federalists

Those opposed to the Constitution, advocating for a Bill of Rights; leaders included Thomas Jefferson.

Patrick Henry

An influential Anti-Federalist who believed the federal government held too much power over states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

Ratification

The formal approval process for the Constitution, requiring consent from at least 9 out of 13 states.

Amendments

Changes or additions to the Constitution requiring a 67% vote in Congress and approval by 75% of state legislatures.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which enumerate the rights guaranteed to American citizens.