A detailed, written plan for government.
Constitution
Does not support the constitution.
Anti Federalist
The opening section of the Constitution.
Preamble
The idea that power lies with the people.
Popular Sovereignty
Powers granted directly to the national government by the Constitution; another name for expressed powers.
Enumerated Powers
A legislature consisting of two parts, or houses.
Bicameral
Supporters of the Constitution.
Federalist
One of several main parts of the Constitution.
Articles
A government that can do only what the people allow it to do
limited Government
Powers that the Constitution does not give to the national government that are kept by the states.
Reserved Powers
The first constitution of the United States.
Articles of Confederation
Agreement providing a dual system of congressional representation.
Great Compromise
Any change in the Constitution.
Amendment
Principle that the law applies to everyone, even those who govern
Rule Of Law
Powers shared by the state and federal governments.
Concurrent Powers
A law, usually of a city or county.
Ordinance
Agreement that said enslaved people would count as three-fifths of other people.
Three-Fifths Compromise
To take on or accept a role or responsibility.
Assume
The split of authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Separation Of Powers
The clause in Article VI that makes federal laws prevail over state laws when there is a conflict.
Supremacy Clause
An uprising of Massachusetts farmers who did not want to lose their farms because of debt.
Shays's Rebellion
Meeting of state delegates in 1787 leading to adoption of a new Constitution.
Constitutional Convention
The branch of government that interprets laws.
Judicial branch
A system in which each branch of government is able to check, or restrain, the power of the others.
Checks, And Balances
To make sure of, to guarantee
Ensure