Term | Definition |
FEDERALISM | The federal principle or system of government |
ANTI-FEDERALISTS | A person who opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution |
SEPARATION OF POWERS | A fundamental principle of the United States government, whereby powers and responsibilities are divided among the legislative branch, executive branch, and judicial branch. |
POPULAR SOVERIEGNTY | The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people. |
CHECKS AND BALANCES | Counterbalancing influences by which an organization or system is regulated, typically those ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of individuals or groups. |
REPUBLICANISM | Support for a republican system of government. |
ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION | The original constitution of the US, ratified in 1781, which was replaced by the US Constitution in 1789. |
1ST AMENDMENT | Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof:abridging the freedom of speech, of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government. |
2ND AMENDMENT | A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. |
4TH AMENDMENT | The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue. |
5TH AMENDMENT | No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury. |
6TH AMENDMENT | In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed. |
7TH AMENDMENT | In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury. |
8TH AMENDMENT | Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted |
10TH AMENDMENT | The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. |
ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE | He was a French diplomat, political scientist, and historian. |