Vocab
A written plan for government is called what?
Constitution
55 Representatives were sent to the Constitutional Convention, they were called what?
Delegates
What does Ratify mean?
To vote in approval of
Government where power is divided between the national government and the states is known as what?
Federalism
What are the Bill of Rights?
Amendments that provide citizens their guaranteed rights under the Constitution
The first 10 Amendments
Any change in the Constitution is called a(n)
Amendment
Anti-Federalists
What is the structure of the Constitution?
The Preamble
Seven Articles
27 Amendments
Define Checks and Balances
A system in which each branch of government is able to check, or restrain, the power of the others
The first three articles of the Constitution focus on what?
The powers and responsibilities of each branch of government
Define the Necessary and Proper Clause
The Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to exercise powers not specifically listed in the Constitution
A meeting of state delegates in 1787 leading to the adoption of a new Constitution
Constitutional Convention
What are the names of the three branches of government?
Executive Branch
Legislative Branch
Judicial Branch
Powers that Congress has that are not stated explicitly in the Constitution is known as what?
Implied Powers
One house, or one chamber in the legislature is known as what?
Unicameral
Define Concurrent Powers
Powers shared by the national and state governments is called what?
Why did Rhode Island not take part of the Constitutional Convention?
Their leaders opposed a stronger central government
What is a loose vs strict interpretation of the Constitution?
Loose interpretation - something doesn't have to to be stated word-for-word in the Constitution, it can be implied
Strict interpretation - The Constitution should be interpreted as literally as possible, powers must be written word for word
This law established that the Constitution is the law of the land and takes precedence over state laws
Supremacy Clause
What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
An agreement providing that enslaved person would count as three-fifths of other persons in determining representation in Congress
The idea that power lies with the people is known as what
Popular Sovereignty
Explain the Virginia Plan
Representation in Congress is based on state population
Congress would have two houses
The government would have three separate branches
Favored large population states
What article outlines the Amendment Process?
Article 5
Powers specifically granted to the national government
Enumerated / Expressed Powers
What are the ideals of the Preamble?
Establish Justice, Insure Domestic Tranquility, Provide for the Common Defense, Promote the General Welfare, Secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity