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vocalb 67
term | definition |
---|---|
Constitution | a written plan of government |
Constitutional Convention | meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 during which 55 delegates wrote the new constitution |
Anti-Federalists | people who opposed the new constitution; they feared strong national government and demanded a bill of rights, George Mason and Patrick Henry were leading Anti-Federalists |
Federalists | people who supported the new constitution and wanted a strong national (central) government, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were leaders of the Federalists |
Grievance | a complaint, such as those listed in the Declaration of Independence against the British government; were addressed by the Constitution |
Bill of Rights | the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, they guarantee basic rights, was one way the unalienable rights were protected by the new government, the Anti-Federalists insisted it be added before they ratified the Constitution |
Ratification | to formally (officially) approve of a document |
Amendments | changes or additions to an official document; the process to amend the Constitution was difficult to prevent frequent, unnecessary changes |
Separation of powers | this principle of the Constitution divided the power of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches; each has its own specific duties |
The Great Compromise | foundation of the new government; three branches legislative, executive and judicial; Congress (legislative branch) was divided into two houses, the upper house (Senate) had equal representation – 2 members for each state, the lower house (House of Repres |
Three-Fifths Compromise | the northern states wanted slaves not counted or at least taxed, southern states did so they would have more members in the House of Representative; result – 3/5 of all slaves would be counted for representation and not taxation |
Federalism | Power is shared by both the national and state governments. Some powers are given to the national government or state government only, some are shared |
Checks and Balances | Each of the three branches can make sure government is run fairly by making sure one does not become too powerful. This is done by being able to look at decisions to make sure they follow the Constitution |
Due process of law | The government may not deprive citizens of “life, liberty, or property” without due process of law. This means that the government has to follow rules and set procedures in everything it does. It cannot, for example, skip parts of trials, or deny citizens |
Habeas corpus | a document that protects against illegal imprisonment |
Civic Virtue | Dedication of a citizen to the common welfare of the country even at the cost of the person’s individual interest |