Early American Government: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and concepts related to the founding of the U.S. government, Federalist and Anti-Federalist ideologies, and early economic proposals.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between a national government and state governments.

Centralized power

A system in which more authority is concentrated in a central or national government.

Limited government

The idea that government power should have restrictions and limits.

Articles of Confederation

The first national government of the United States, which created a relatively weak central government.

Constitution

The document that created the structure and powers of the U.S. government beginning in 1787.

Ratification

The formal approval of the Constitution by the states.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting specific individual rights and limiting government power.

Federalist

A supporter of the Constitution who generally favored a stronger national government.

Anti-Federalist

An opponent of the Constitution who generally feared excessive national power and wanted stronger protections for individual liberty and state power.

National bank

A proposed institution that would help manage government finances and strengthen the national economy.

National debt

Money owed by the government.

Assumption of state debt

Hamilton's proposal that the federal government take responsibility for debts accumulated by the states during the Revolution.

Economic development

The growth of a country's economy through areas such as trade, manufacturing, agriculture, and finance.

Manufacturing

The production of goods, especially through businesses and factories.

Agrarian society

A society in which agriculture and farming play a major role in the economy and culture.

States' rights

The idea that states should retain significant political power rather than having authority concentrated in the federal government.

Individual liberty

The freedom of individuals to make choices and live without unnecessary government interference.