Key terms
To formally approve a treaty, agreement, or- in this case- a new Constitution.
What is to ratify?
This side believed that British taxes, like the Stamp Act and Tea Act, were unfair and a violation of their rights.
Who are the Patriots?
A colonist who supported American independence from British rule.
What is a Patriot?
This principle states that the power of the government comes from the will of the people.
What is consent of the governed, or popular sovereignty?
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The term for a system of government that is an alliance of independent states with a weak central government.
What is a confederation?
This side believed that separating from Britain would be disastrous for business and trade.
Who are the Loyalists?
A colonist who wanted to remain a British citizen and stay loyal to the King.
What is a Loyalist?
This principle means that the government is not all-powerful and must follow the rules outlined in the Constitution.
What is limited government?
The anti-federalists refused to ratify the Constitution without this addition to protect individual freedoms.
What was the Bill of Rights?
A government where citizens rule through elected representatives.
What is a representative democracy?
This side believed the colonies needed the protection of the powerful British military and navy.
Who are the Loyalists?
Colonists who didn't pick a side during the American Revolution were known as this.
What are Neutrals or Fence-sitters?
A system where the powers of government are separated into three different branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
What is the separation of powers?
This amendment protects the rights of free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government.
What is the First Amendment?
The term for a government where power is divided between a national government and several state governments.
What is federalism?
This patriot writer published the pamphlet Common Sense, arguing for complete independence from British rule.
Who is Tomas Paine?
This was the primary reason the colonies wanted independence, according to Patriots.
What is "taxation without representation"?
The principle that gives each branch of government the ability to check or limit the power of the other two branches.
What are checks and balances?
This amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures of their property.
What is the Fourth Amendment?
A legislative body having a single chamber, like the one established under the Articles of Confederation.
What is unicameral?
This side feared that a new, independent government would lead to chaos, mob rule, or an unknown future.
Who are the Loyalists?
Loyalists were sometimes called this derogatory nickname by the Patriots.
What are Tories?
This principle divides power between the national government and the state governments.
What is federalism?
This addition to the Constitution was significant because it provided clear limits on the government's power, helping to secure the consent of anti-federalists and leading to the Constitution's ratification.
What is the Bill of Rights?