Road to the Constitution and Early Republic – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on the Road to the Constitution, Federalism, and early political developments.

Federalist 10

An essay arguing that a large republic can better control factions and prevent the tyranny of the majority.

Federalist 51

An essay arguing for separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government, typically merchants and industry.

Republicans

Supporters of strong state governments, farmers, and common people; favored power at the state level and to the people.

Federalism

Division of power between the national government and the states.

National powers (federal powers)

Powers exercised by the national government, such as declaring war and coining money.

State powers

Powers reserved to the states, such as running schools.

Fiscal Federalism

The use of money from the federal government to influence state policy, via grants and mandates.

Grants

Money from the federal government to states, often with conditions.

Mandates

Requirements that states must follow, sometimes without accompanying funding.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Supreme Court decision that established judicial review.

Elections of 1796

Rise of political parties; Federalists favored a strong central government, Republicans favored strong state governments and power to the people.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Laws giving power to deport foreigners and punish criticism of the government; controversial for infringing on free speech and rights.

Bill of Rights compromise

Promise by Federalists to add a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties to secure ratification of the Constitution.