Plans & Compromises
Branches & Politics
Constitutional Powers
Foundational Documents
Federalist & Anti-Federalist Papers
100

A plan of government calling for a three-branch government with a bicameral legislature, where more populous states would have more representation in Congress. 

Virginia Plan 

100

The institution responsible for hearing and deciding cases through the federal courts. 

The Judicial Branch

100

Authority specifically granted to a branch of the government in the Constitution. 

Expressed or Enumerated Powers

100

Weak central government with states maintaining most power.

The Articles of Confederation

100

Federalist paper focuses on the judicial branch, argues judges should have life time appointments.

Federalist No. 78

200

A plan of government that provided for a unicameral legislature with equal votes for each state. 

New Jersey Plan

200

The institution responsible for carrying out and enforcing laws passed by the legislative branch. 

The Executive Branch. 

200

Constitutional provision declaring that the Constitution and all federal laws and treaties are the supreme law of the land. 

Supremacy Clause

200

The first 10 Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.  

The Bill of Rights

200

Federalist paper that discusses the dangers of factions to liberty, encourages republican style of government.

Federalist No. 10

300

A compromise between the Virginia plan and the New Jersey Plan. 

The Great Compromise(Connecticut Compromise)

300

The institution responsible for making laws. 

The Legislative Branch

300

The process by which changes may be made to the Constitution. 

Amendment

300

Replaced the Articles of Confederation with a strong national government, and adding the executive, judicial, and bicameral legislature.

The Constitution of the United States

300

Antifederalist paper that argued against the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. 

Brutus No. 1

400

An agreement reached by delegates at the Constitutional Convention that a slave would count as a portion of a person in calculating a state's representation. 

Three-Fifths Compromise

400

Supporters of the proposed Constitution, who called for a strong national government.

Federalist

400

Authority of the federal government that goes beyond its expressed powers.

Implied Powers

400

A document listing the grievances of the colonist, and the intention to break away from Great Britain.

The Declaration of Independence

400

Federalist paper promoting separation of powers and a system of checks & balances.

Federalist No. 51

500

Congress could not restrict slave trade until 1808. 

Compromise on Importation.

500

Those opposed to the proposed Constitution, who favored stronger state governments.

Anti-Federalists

500

Language in Article I, Section 8 granting Congress the powers necessary to carry out its enumerated powers. 

Necessary and Proper Clause(Elastic Clause)

500

Letter written by MLK during civil rights movement outlining the struggles of African-Americans under Jim Crow laws.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

500

Federalist paper promoting strong executive branch with single energetic president.

Federalist No. 70

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