Principles & Terms
The word for a government structure with two houses, like the US Congress.
What is Bicameral?
A loose association of states with a weak central government.
What is Confederation?
This is the name for the various agreements made at the Constitutional Convention where each side gives up something.
What is a Compromise?
This branch of government, headed by the President, carries out and enforces the laws.
What is the Executive Branch?
The principle that the government's authority comes from the people.
What is Popular Sovereignty?
The term for an official change or addition to the Constitution.
What is an Amendment?
To formally approve a document, such as the Constitution.
What is Ratify?
This agreement determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation.
What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
Congress makes up this branch of government.
This principle states that everyone, even those who govern, must follow the laws.
What is Limited Government?
This is the governing body responsible for making laws.
What is a Legislature?
The name for a single-house legislature, like the one proposed by the New Jersey Plan.
What is Unicameral?
This compromise established that Congress could regulate trade but couldn't tax exports or interfere with the slave trade for 20 years.
What is the Commerce Compromise?
This principle of government ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful by giving them powers to limit the others.
What is Checks and Balances?
This principle ensures that the people elect their representatives to make laws.
What is republicanism?
The political system where power is divided between a national government and state governments.
What is Federalism?
A person chosen to represent others at a convention, like the Constitutional Convention.
What is a Delegate?
This group opposed the Constitution because it lacked a Bill of Rights and feared a strong central government.
Who are the Anti-Federalists?
Which branch interprets the meaning of laws and the Constitution?
What is the judicial?
This principle divides power among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.
What is Separation of Powers?
The introductory statement of the Constitution that lists the goals of the new government.
What is the Preamble?
This group of people supported the ratification of the Constitution and a strong central government.
Who are the Federalists?
This agreement solved the issue of representation by creating a bicameral legislature.
What is the Great Compromise?
Which branch vetoes bills passed by Congress?
The principle that says that individuals have rights that the government can't take away.
What is Individual Rights?