Foundational Documents
This document argued that people have unalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Declaration of Independence
This event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and helped lead to the Constitutional Convention.
Shay's Rebellion
The lower chamber of Congress based on population.
House of Representatives
The ideology that supports limited government, free markets, and traditional values.
conservatism
Election where voters choose party nominees.
primary election
This system created a weak national government with no power to tax or enforce laws.
Articles of Confederation
This agreement created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in one chamber and equal representation in the other.
Great Compromise
The upper chamber of Congress with equal representation.
Senate
The ideology that supports government action to ensure equality and social welfare.
liberalism
A primary limited to registered party members.
closed primary
These first ten amendments protect freedoms like speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.
Bill of Rights
Compromise counting enslaved people as 3/5.
Three-Fifths Compromise
The approval of presidential appointments by the Senate.
advice and consent
A major shift in party support among voters.
realignment
Attempts to discourage certain groups from voting.
voter suppression
This document resolved the conflict between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in one chamber and equal representation in the other.
Constitution
System for electing the president.
Electoral College
Redrawing district lines based on population changes.
redistricting
Preference for lower taxes and less government spending.
conservative economic view
When voters support incumbents due to familiarity.
incumbent advantages
This document explains how dividing power among branches and levels of government protects against tyranny by making it difficult for any one group to dominate.
Federalist 51
Group that supported a strong national government.
Federalists
A committee formed to reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill.
conference committee
A voter who chooses candidates from different parties.
split-ticket voter
Campaign focus on states that can go either way
battleground states
This document argued for a strong executive branch led by a single president.
Federalist 70
Group that feared strong central government.
Anti-Federalists
The ability to end a filibuster in the Senate.
cloture
The amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech, religion, and press.
First Amendment
Refusal to obey laws to protest injustice.
civil disobedience
This document explains why the judicial branch is the least dangerous and supports judicial review.
Federalist 78
Plan favoring large states with representation by population.
Virginia Plan
The president’s power to grant forgiveness for federal crimes.
pardon power
The amendment protecting against unreasonable searches.
Fourth Amendment
Applying protections in the Bill of Rights to the states.
selective incorporation
This document explains how a large republic can control the effects of factions.
Federalist 10
Plan favoring small states with equal representation.
New Jersey Plan
The presidents ability to shape public opinion through speeches and media.
Bully Pulpit
The amendment guaranteeing due process and protection against self-incrimination.
Fifth Amendment
Government cannot censor speech before it occurs.
prior restraint
This document warned that a large republic would threaten liberty and called for a Bill of Rights.
Brutus 1
This article establishes Congress and gives it the power to make laws, declare war, and tax.
Article 1
The ability of a court to hear a case first.
original jurisdiction
Right to a lawyer even if you can't afford one.
Sixth Amendment
Policies promoting equal opportunity.
affirmative action
This document defends civil disobedience and argues that unjust laws should be broken.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
This article creates the presidency and outlines powers like enforcing laws and acting as commander-in-chief.
Article 2
When Congress passes vague laws and lets agencies fill in details.
delegated authority
The amendment extending equal protection under the law
Fourteenth Amendment
This constitutional principle requires the government to follow fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.
Due Process