Constitutional Origins
The first constitution of the United States, created to form a perpetual union and a firm league of friendship among the thirteen original states. It was adopted by the Second Continental Congress of November 15, 1777 and sent to the states for ratification.
Articles of Confederation (1781 – 1789)
Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution that gives Congress the power “to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States and with the Indian Tribes.” The clause has been used to regulate organizations engaged in interstate commerce by prohibiting them from engaging in racial discrimination.
Commerce Clause
In the United States, the branch of government led by the President that carries out the laws made by the legislative branch, creates rules that govern the actions of administrative agencies, and undertakes other constitutionally provided functions.
Executive Branch
A form of government in which power is divided and shared between a central government and state and local government.
Federalism
A situation where a country, organization, or individual is unable to pay its debts
Debt Crisis
A plan accepted at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 that called for a Congress of two houses: in the upper house, or Senate, representation of the states would be equal, with each state having two senators; in the lower house, or House of Representatives, representation would be apportioned according to the population of each state, so that states with more people would have more representatives.
Great Compromise
In the United States, the branch of government that interprets the meaning of laws, applies laws to individual cases, and decides if laws or actions by government violate the Constitution.
Judicial Branch
A law passed by the legislature that gives budget authority to a specific government agency, authorizing it to spend money form the treasury for defined purposes
Appropriation
An armed revolt by Massachusetts farmers seeking relief from debt and mortgage foreclosures. The rebellion fueled support for amending the Articles of Confederation.
Shays’ Rebellion (1786 – 1787)
Article I, Section 2, Amendment. The clause provided that each slave should be counted as three – fifths of a person in determining the number of representatives a state might send to the House of Representatives. It also determined the amount of taxes Congress might levy on a state.
Three-Fifths Compromise
In the States, the branch of government that makes laws that govern the country. The legislative also has the authority to confirm or reject presidential appointments, declare war, and oversee the implementation and enforcement of laws by the executive branch.
Legislative Branch
In American constitutional thought, disturbing and balancing, the powers of government among different branches so that no one branch or individual can dominate the others.
Checks and balances
Changing a public official with a crime while in office and bringing him or her to trial. Convicted officials are removed from office.
Impeachment