Key Terms & Names + Definitions

• Articles of Confederation: America’s first Constitution from 1781-1789, weak central government, strong state government

• Shays’ Rebellion: armed uprising in Massachusetts during 1786-1787, Daniel Shays led 4,000 rebels in a protest against economic/civil rights injustice

• Bicameral: a legislature that is divided into two separate assemblies, chambers, or houses

• Bill of Rights: first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution that protects individual liberties (ex: freedom of speech, religion, press)

• Constitutional Convention: meeting held in 1787 where delegates from 12 states wrote the Constitution

• Electoral College: used for electing the President and Vice President, citizens vote for electors pledged to cast their ballots for specific candidates

• Great Compromise: agreement during Constitutional Convention that defined the legislative structure and representation each state would have under the Constitution

• New Jersey Plan: power in the states, limited and defined powers of the federal government

• Ratification: federal approval of a decision, action, or plan

• Three-Fifths Compromise: slaves were counted as 3/5ths of a person for import tax

• Virginia Plan: three branches, bicameral legislature, power in the federal government, separation of power

• Article V: section that outlines the amendment process

• Every Child Succeeds Act (2015): states are free to determine their own standards for education, but must uphold protections for disadvantaged students, made by Barack Obama

• No Child Left Behind Act (2002): improvements in teaching, testing, and sanctions

• Race to the Top: states were to adopt new national standards/develop their own to have students be career/college ready at graduation, made by Barack Obama

• USA PATRIOT Act (2001): covered intelligence gathering by allowing government to tap suspect’s phones

• Checks and Balances: each branch has some influence over the other branches and can block the procedures of said branches

• Federalist No. 51: written by James Madison, explains the need for a system of checks and balances

• Separation of Powers: division of power between the three branches

• Advice and Consent: constitutional duty given to the U.S. Senate regarding presidential appointments

• Impeachment: formal process when an official is accused of unlawful activity

• Pocket Veto: allows a president to veto by taking no action

• Veto: President rejects a bill passed by Congress