Founding Fathers
He presided over the Constitutional Convention, acting as a calming presence in the heat of the deliberation. He didn't shy away from the heat of the battle either, which is why this man was our first president.
George Washington
The division of government into three distinct branches—legislative (makes laws), executive (enforces laws), and judicial (interprets laws)—prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful is known as this constitutional structure.
Separation of Powers.
This "law of God" is acknowledged through human sense and reason, and was pioneered by John Locke
Natural Law
Document explaining that a large republic would be the best way to control factions.
Federalist No.10
This plan assured state sovereignty and a unicameral legislature based on equal representation.
New Jersey Plan
A key contributor to the construction of foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution but he may be more notably remebered for hus contributions as a human lightning rod.
Benjamin Franklin
Limitations known as theses are placed on branches by each other. The president vetoing that bill you've been lobbying for is one of them.
Checks and Balances.
Those who opposed the consolidation of the states under the federal government.
Anti-federalists
This explanation by Publius breaks down the United States Constitution's system of checks and balances to ensure liberty and prevent the concentration of power.
Federalist No.51
An influential state wanted to keep its influence through this plan, ensuring its large population gave it more say in government.
Virginia Plan
It has been said he can "write like he is running out of time" which is why his passion and grit made him a hated, but respected member of the Constitutional Convention. We also can't forget his contributions as Publius.
Alexander Hamilton.
The idea that the government’s right to rule comes from the consent of the people. Brutus was all for it, but the Federalists felt this was an inefficient system for the vast American nation.
Popular Sovereignty.
A group of angry farmers led by Daniel Shay revolted against the government because of high state taxes and attempted to try to get their farms back, which became known as this Rebellion.
Shay's Rebellion
The core argument of this persuasion piece was that a unitary executive was a necessary ingredient for a quick, decisive executive to conduct war.
Federalists No.70
Bickering between states led to this compromise, creating a bicameral legislature that nowadays can never seem to agree despite their sharing of the branch.
The Great Compromise.
Known as the "Father of the Constitution," was a Founding Father, statesman, and the fourth U.S. President who served from 1809 to 1817.
James Madison
Highly favored by Federalists, this idea, similar to elite democracy, states that power is held by elected representatives chosen by the people.
Republicanism
This proposed plan for government called for a three-branch system with a national executive, a judicial branch, and a bicameral- or two-house legislature.
The Virginia Plan
This document established the process to amend and ratify constitutional laws in a two-step process that could be made longer by the executive branch.
Article V
In an attempt to gain an extra foothold in the legislature, the South hypocritically decided to count their slaves, whom they considered property, as people. The North emphatically refused the Southern proposal, leading to this inhuman compromise.
⅗ Compromise.
Was an American Founding Father, statesman, diplomat, and the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
John Jay
This constitutional principle makes it clear that the government's power is not absolute; it is restricted by the laws and the Constitution.
Limited Government.
Elected representatives make decisions and act as trustees for the people who elected them. It recognizes an inequity in the spread of power among the general populace and the elites: People with resources and influence dominate.
Elite Democracy.
Remembering the famous song “Non-Stop” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, we recall of the 85 Federalist Papers, Madison wrote 29, John Jay wrote 5, and Hamilton wrote the remaining ones, totaling to this majority number.
Hamilton wrote 51 Federalist Papers.
The Constitution couldn’t last very long without objections, so the first 10 amendments were made quickly and today are known as this founding document.
Bill of Rights.