Before the Constitution
Group that opposed the ratification of the constitution
Who are the anti-federalists
This is the highest court in the United States, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and making final rulings on legal cases.
What is the Supreme Court?
Each branch of government has power to limit the power of the other two branches of government
What are checks and balances
the most serious danger to a republic according to James Madison and most others at the constitutional convention
What are factions
This theory suggests that the wealthiest individuals control policy.
What is the Elite Theory
stated the colonists rationale to protect their natural rights by instituting a new government
What is the Declaration of Independence
This article of the U.S. Constitution states, "The judicial power of the United States is vested in one supreme court and such inferior courts as Congress may establish"
What is Article III section 1
powers that are explicitly listed in the United States Constitution.
What are enumerated powers
a series of essays written in support of ratifying the constitution
What are the Federalist Papers
resolved the issue of counting slaves into the population for apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives
What is the 3/5 Compromise
Document that created strong states governments and a weak, ineffective central government
What is the Articles of Confederation
Power that the supreme court has to determine the constitutionality of laws or presidential actions
What is Judicial Review
Referring to a division of power between the federal government and the states
What is federalism
Powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments in the United States
What are concurrent powers
The concept that the authority of government is created and sustained by the consent of the people, who elect their leaders.
What is Popular Sovereignty
Exposed the division between rural poor and urban elite, and highlighted the need for a national military
What is Shay's Rebellion
Gun possession is not an economic activity that has any impact on interstate commerce, whether direct or indirect, so the federal government cannot base a law prohibiting gun possession near schools on the Commerce Clause.
What is U.S. v Lopez
Political definition of granting power to an independent executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch.
What is separation of powers
voting rights, requirements, and eligibility were left to these governmental agents by the founders.
What are the states
A resolution of the New Jersey and Virginia Plans creating a bicameral congress with equal representation in the Senate and apportionment based on population in the House of Representatives
What is the Connecticut "Great" Compromise
Theory suggests that citizens give consent to be governed
What is the social contract theory?
The Supreme Court held that Congress has implied powers derived from those listed in Article I, Section 8. The “Necessary and Proper” Clause gave Congress the power to establish a national bank.
What is McCulloch v Maryland
Gives Congress the power to create laws that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution
What is the Necessary and proper (or elastic) clause
Explains the Constitution's separation of powers and the principle of checks and balances, which are designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
What is Federalist 51
Plan that called for a strong central government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
What is the Virginia Plan