Unit 3 – Establishing the New Nation

Weakness of the Articles of Confederation

Characteristics included a weak central government, lack of national currency, inability to regulate interstate commerce, no national court system, difficulty in passing laws, and no effective power to tax.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Established a governance system for the Northwest Territory, including processes for admitting new states and prohibiting slavery.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, favoring large states.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, favoring small states.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

Created a bicameral legislature with the House based on population and the Senate providing equal representation.

Federalists

Supported the Constitution and a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the Constitution, fearing federal power and advocating for a Bill of Rights.

3/5th Compromise

Counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

Constitution

The supreme law of the United States providing the framework for the federal government.

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution outlining the goals and purposes of the government.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the people hold ultimate power.

Limited Government

Government power is restricted by the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

Divides power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances

Allows each branch of government to limit the powers of others.

Federalism

A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms.

Loose Construction

Interpreting the Constitution broadly to allow implied powers.

Strict Construction

Interpreting the Constitution narrowly, limiting federal powers to those explicitly listed.