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James Madison
A founding father of the United States, Madison was a political scientist, engineer, and philosopher who played a significant role in shaping the government and drafting the Constitution.
Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1777 and ratified in 1781. It established a weak central government with limited powers and gave most authority to the states.
Annapolis Convention
A convention held in Annapolis, Maryland, to address the issues with the Articles of Confederation. It called for another convention to discuss and reform the government.
Shay's Rebellion
An armed uprising in Massachusetts led by farmers and veterans who were angry about high taxes, debt, and foreclosures. It added urgency to the need for reform and highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Constitutional Convention
A convention held in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the issues with the Articles of Confederation and create a new constitution. It resulted in the drafting of the United States Constitution.
Separation of Powers
The division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Legislative Branch
The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Executive Branch
The branch of government responsible for carrying out and enforcing laws, headed by the President.
Judiciary
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice, headed by the Supreme Court.
Amendments
Changes made to the Constitution through a process called amendment. Only 27 amendments have been ratified, and they provide additional rights and protections for citizens.
Federalists
Supporters of the ratification of the Constitution who believed in a strong central government and argued for its adoption.
Antifederalists
Opponents of the ratification of the Constitution who were concerned about the potential infringement on individual rights and the concentration of power in the central government.
Federalist No
An essay written by James Madison as part of the Federalist Papers, in which he discusses the dangers of factions and argues that a large republic with multiple factions can prevent the tyranny of the majority or minority.
Tyranny of Minority and Tyranny of Majority
Two forms of tyranny that can arise in a republic. The tyranny of the minority refers to a small group trampling on the rights of the majority, while the tyranny of the majority refers to the majority suppressing the rights of the minority.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, which protect individual rights and limit the powers of the government.
State constitutions
The constitutions of individual states within the United States.
Federalist
Those in favor of ratifying the U.S. Constitution and establishing a strong federal government.
Anti-federalist
Those opposed to ratifying the U.S. Constitution and concerned about the potential power of the federal government.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which protect individual rights and freedoms.
Founders' motives
The reasons behind the actions and decisions of the Founding Fathers during the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Class distinctions
Social divisions based on wealth, status, or privilege.
Charles Beard
A historian who argued that the Founding Fathers were primarily motivated by protecting their own property interests.
Majority
The larger portion or number of people in a group or society.
Electoral college
The body responsible for electing the President of the United States.
Pure democracy
A system of government in which decisions are made directly by the people, without representatives.
Populists
Supporters of the rights and interests of the common people.
Framers
The individuals who participated in the drafting and creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Mixed motives
Having a combination of different reasons or motivations.
Flexible document
A constitution that can be adapted or amended to accommodate changing times and circumstances.
Political strategies
Tactics or methods used to achieve political goals.
Consequences
The outcomes or results of an action or decision.
State, federal, and individual rights
The rights and powers granted to states, the federal government, and individuals under the U.S. Constitution.
Philosophies
Sets of beliefs or principles that guide actions and decisions.
Note 
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