New Ratification Flashcards

Ratification

The formal approval process of the Constitution.

Federalists

Supporters of ratifying the Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of ratifying the Constitution who feared a strong national government would threaten individual rights.

The Federalist Papers

A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by distributing powers among the branches.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to protect individual rights.

Consent of the Governed

The principle that the authority of a government is granted by the people.

Natural Rights

The rights that individuals are entitled to, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Implied Rights

Rights not explicitly stated in the Constitution but understood to be protected.

Expressed Rights

Specific rights that are explicitly listed in the Constitution or Amendments.

Delaware

The first state to ratify the Constitution.

Rhode Island

The last state to ratify the Constitution.

A republic

A form of government in which power resides in elected individuals representing the citizen body.

Strong Executive Branch

A feature of the federal government that Anti-Federalists feared could lead to monarchy.

Federal Laws

Laws created at the national level that are superior to state laws.