Amendment
A formal change to the Constitution of the United States.
Antifederalist
Group who opposed ratification of the Constitution- advocated for states rights.
Bicameral
A two house legislature
Articles of Confederation
America's first written constitution; served as the basis of government until 1789.
Bill of Rights
An addition to the Constitution in 1791, spells out specific freedoms guaranteed to American citizens.
Checks and Balances
A system to insure that one branch of government does not overpower the other two.
Elastic Clause
The power to stretch the power of government- gives government the authority to make all laws "necessary and proper.
Confederation
A system of government in which states retain sovereign authority except for the powers expressly delegated to the national government.
Electoral College
Institution that elects the president of the United States.
Expressed (delegated) Powers
Powers expressly written in the Constitution that are given to the national government (I.E.- Declare war).
Federalism
Formal division of government power between the national, state and local governments.
Federalist Papers
Hamilton, Madison and Jay- series of papers to encourage ratification of the Constitution in New York State.
Great Compromise
Creates a bicameral legislature- one house based on population with another based on equal representation.
Judicial Review
Power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions unconstitutional- setup in court case Marbury v. Madison.
Separation of Power
Separation of government power into three branches- executive, legislative, and judicial with each having their own duties and responsibility- enlightenment philosophy.
Supremacy Clause
Article VI of the Constitution, which states that laws passes by the national government and all treaties are the supreme law of the land and superior to all laws adopted by the state.
Tyranny
Oppressive government that employs cruel and unjust use of power and authority.
3/5 Compromise
Every five slaves would count as three citizens towards population.
New Jersey Plan
Small state plan for representation- representation should be equal for each state.
Virginia Plan
Large state plan for representation- representation should be based on population.