The Constitution

Articles of Confederation

A weak constitution that governed America during the Revolutionary War.

3/5's Compromise

Allowed states to count three fifths of their slaves as part of the population

Virginia Plan

Plan presented at the constitutional convention that favored large states because representation was based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Plan presented at the constitutional convention that favored small states because state representation was equal.

Great Compromise

Offered a two-house Congress to satisfy both small and big states

Preamble

Introduction to the Constitution that states the purpose of government.

Checks and Balances

Keep any one part of a government stronger or more influential than the others.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

Federalist

People who supported ratification of the Constitution.

Antifederalist

A person who opposed the adoption of the United States Constitution until a Bill of Rights was added.

Amendment

A change to the Constitution

Ratification

Formal approval of the Constitution by the states.

Supremacy Clause

Constitution is the supreme law of the land

Concurrent Powers

Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.

Elastic Clause

Part of the constitution that says Congress has implied powers

Electoral College

Representatives of each state who cast the final ballots that actually elect a president

Implied Powers

Powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution

Impeachment

Charges against a president approved by a majority of the House of Representatives