U.S. Constitution 1
Eminent Domain
Power of a Government to take private property for public use.
Amendment
A change in, or addition to, a constitution or law.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution.
Veto
Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature.
Checks and Balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of other branches in order to prevent abuse of power.
New Jersey Plan
"Small state" proposal for the new constitution, that would have given each state one vote in a new congress.
House of Representatives
The lower house of congress, consisting of a different number of representatives from each state, depending on the population. (435 members)
Federalism
A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments.
Bicameral
Two house legislature (House of Representatives + senate = Congress)
Senate
A council of representatives. 2 from each state.
Constitution
The document of laws settling out the principles, structures, and processes of a government.
The 3/5 Compromise
Each slave would count for 3/5 of a person for taxation and representation purposes.
Congress
The legislature of the United States government (House of Representatives and Senate)
Articles of Confederation
1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788
Virginia Plan
"Large State" proposal for the new constitution, calling for voting to be done based off of overall population.