big constituion test

Articles of Confederation

A loose set of guidelines that served as the first constitution of the United States after the Revolutionary War

John Dickinson

The writer of the Articles of Confederation, which established the first framework of government for the United States

Federalism

A system of government in which power is shared between the states and a central authority

Second Continental Congress

The governing body that approved the Articles of Confederation in 1777, during the American Revolution

Ratification

The process of obtaining approval from all states to make a law or establish a constitution

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in Massachusetts in 1786 that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to the creation of the Constitution

Constitutional Convention

A convention held in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and create a new framework of government

Annapolis Convention

A meeting held in Annapolis, Maryland in 1786 to discuss issues related to trade and commerce, which eventually led to the Constitutional Convention

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution, who favored more power for the states

The Critical Years

The period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the approval of the Constitution, marked by challenges and debates over the structure of the new government

Slavery

The institution of forced labor and servitude, which was a major issue during the Critical Years and a divisive factor in the formation of the Constitution

Interstate Quarrels

Conflicts between states arising from the lack of a central authority under the Articles of Confederation

Inflation

A rapid increase in the value of the Continental Dollar, the currency used during the Critical Years

Specie Money

Currency in the form of coins, as opposed to paper money

Loose Confederation

A weak alliance of states under the Articles of Confederation, lacking a strong central government

National Congress

The legislative body established by the Articles of Confederation, which had limited powers

State Powers

Powers reserved for individual states, as opposed to the central government

National Congress' Powers

The powers granted to the national Congress under the Articles of Confederation, including the power to declare war, raise an army, and request money from states

War Declaration

The power given to the national Congress to declare war

Army

The power given to the national Congress to raise an army

Taxation

The power given to the national Congress to request money from states

State Taxes

The power of states to tax their own citizens

Congress' Orders

States were not obligated to follow orders from the national Congress under the Articles of Confederation

National Court System

The lack of a national court system under the Articles of Confederation, which resulted in legal challenges and inconsistencies

Economic Debt

The financial debt of the government, which was a significant issue during the Critical Years

Private Debt

The debt incurred by individuals, separate from the government's financial obligations

Paper Money

Currency that was not accepted by banks, leading to economic challenges during the Critical Years

Continental Dollar

The currency used during the Critical Years, which experienced a rapid decrease in value

Land Ordinances

The division and organization of newly acquired land from the Treaty of Paris, which established a system for settling and governing new territories

Statehood

The process of becoming a state within the United States, which involved meeting certain criteria and obtaining congressional approval

State Constitution

The formulation of a constitution for an individual state, outlining its government structure and principles

Northwest Ordinance

An ordinance passed by the national Congress under the Articles of Confederation, which prohibited slavery in new territories and established a process for admitting new states

Executive Order

Directives issued by the President, carrying the force of law and used to implement policies or manage government operations

Amendments

Changes made to the Constitution, allowing for flexibility and adaptation over time

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual rights and freedoms

Electoral College

The system used for selecting the President of the United States, in which electors from each state cast votes based on the popular vote in their respective states

Presidential Line of Succession

The order of officials who would assume the Presidency in the event of the President's death, resignation, or incapacity

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress, responsible for proposing and passing legislation

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, responsible for confirming appointments and ratifying treaties

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of district boundaries for political gain, often resulting in unfair representation

The Roberts' Supreme Court

The current composition of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts

Executive Branch

The branch of government headed by the President, responsible for enforcing laws and managing the day-to-day operations of the government

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality, led by the Supreme Court

Cabinet

A group of department heads appointed by the President to advise and assist in decision-making

Congressional Districts

Geographical divisions within a state used for electing representatives to the House of Representatives

Making/Changing Laws

The main purpose of Congress, involving the proposal, debate, and passage of legislation

2022 Election

An upcoming election in which 34 senators will be elected or re-elected

Electoral Votes

Votes assigned to each state based on their representation in Congress, used to determine the outcome of the presidential election

New Jersey Governmental Positions

Key positions within the government of the state of New Jersey, including governor, lieutenant governor, and various executive and legislative offices