Representation before the Constitution
A document that created a federation of states, with no executive power
The Articles of Confederation
This British creation caused problems for settlers looking to move West after 1763.
The Proclamation Line of 1763
This branch of government is reponsible for vetoing laws, and leading the military
The executive branch
This branch of government is responsible for writing laws and impeaching the President
The legislative branch
Republic
system of government in which the people are represented by politicians.
Under the articles of Confederation, states could not do this.
Make an alliance with another country, receive gifts from other countries, grant titles of nobility, keep a standing army, or engage in war without permission from Congress
The Townshend Acts were all repealed, except for this tax on a very commonly used product.
Tea
If a rule needs to be added or changed in the constitution, Congress may vote to add these.
Amendments
The 1st amendment protects these rights
freedom of speech, press, assembly, and religion.
reserved powers
powers reserved to the state governments
The new US Congress is responsible for these after signing the Articles of Confederation.
debt
This 1765 Act allowed British soldiers to move into public spaces, and even into private houses when necessary.
The Quartering Act
These amendments were created as a group to protect individuals' rights.
The Bill of Rights
The 3/5th compromise made slaves count as citizens on this document, which counts population in order to determine representation in congress.
the census
ratify
to agree or make valid
Every state and congress must agree before this can happen.
Alter the Articles of Confederation
The ending of this policy irritated the colonists, and was the first problem on the road to Revolution.
Salutary Neglect
Big and small states disagreed on how to create the Legislative Branch. The solution was this plan, created by Roger Sherman.
The Connecticut Compromise or the Great Compromise
Amendments
Judicial Branch
The branch of government that involves the court systems; has the power of judicial review
This ultimately caused the downfall of the Articles of Confederation.
optional taxes
This was the first tax placed on the colonists by the British
sugar tax
The constitution prevents congress from changing the slave trade for 20 years, meaning that the earliest slave trade laws can be created is this year.
1808
The need to strike a balance between the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and the strength of a monarchy leads to the creation of these limiters on a branch of governments' power.
Checks and balances
salutary neglect
A policy of leaving colonies alone for economic gain