Constitutional Foundations and Early United States Government (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms related to early United States government, the Constitution, and major debates.

Electoral College

A group of electors chosen by states to elect the president and vice president; designed to balance power among states.

Sovereignty

The supreme authority of a state to govern itself and decide its own laws and policies.

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution who favored a stronger national government and, often, a Bill of Rights to protect liberties.

Republicanism

A system of government based on consent of the governed and representation, with no monarch.

Great Compromise

The agreement creating a bicameral Congress: House of Representatives (proportional by population) and Senate (equal representation for states).

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States that outlines the structure and powers of the national government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual rights and limiting federal power.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A pact counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation in Congress.

Anti-Federalists

opponents of the Constitution who feared a too-strong central government and demanded protections for states’ rights and rights.

Shays' Rebellion

A 1786–87 uprising that exposed weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and spurred calls for a stronger national government.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution; a weak central government with limited powers, leaving most authority to the states.

Ratification

Formal approval of a proposal; in this context, approval of the Constitution by the states.

Monarchy

A form of government ruled by a king or queen; contrasted with republicanism and a republic.

Slavery

The institution of enslaving people; tied to the economy in the notes and affected debates about stepping away from the system.

Abolition

The movement to end slavery.

Federalism

The division of powers between national (federal) and state governments.