Structure
This historic meeting in 1787 brought delegates together to draft a new framework for the U.S. government, replacing the Articles of Confederation.
What is The Constitutional Convention?
A set of basic principles and laws that states the powers and duties of the government.
What is a constitution?
This branch of government is responsible for making laws.
What is The Legislative Branch?
This agreement at the Constitutional Convention resolved the dispute over representation in Congress by creating a bicameral legislature.
What is The Great Compromise?
This principle divides power between the national government and the states.
What is Federalism?
This branch of government carries out and enforces laws.
What is The Executive Branch?
This proposal called for representation in Congress based on state population, favoring larger states.
What is The Virginia Plan?
This principle of self-government says that the people have the ultimate power by voting on laws and representatives.
What is Popular Sovereignty?
This branch of government interprets the laws and ensures they are in line with the Constitution.
What is The Judicial Branch?
This plan advocated for equal representation for all states in Congress, regardless of size, and was supported by smaller states.
What is The New Jersey Plan?
Ensuring that one person or part of the government does not become too powerful.
What are checks and balances?
Under the articles, Congress was one house, but after the convention, the legislative branch became structured like this.
What is "bicameral"?