Foundations of Government
This form of government allows citizens to rule through elected representatives.
This agreement created a two-house Congress, balancing representation between large and small states.
Great Compromise
This man played a major role in organizing the Constitutional Convention and drafting the Constitution.
James Madison
This branch of government makes laws.
Legislative Branch
This amendment guarantees freedoms of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and petition.
First Amendment
This term describes an alliance allowing states or nations to act together on mutual concerns.
This compromise counted a portion of enslaved people for taxation and representation.
Three-Fifths Compromise
This rebellion by farmers in Massachusetts highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Shays's Rebellion
This branch interprets laws and determines their constitutionality.
Judicial Branch
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as this.
Bill of Rights
This belief states that government should be based on the consent of the people.
This plan, proposed by James Madison, favored representation based on state population.
Virginia Plan
This group supported the Constitution and a strong national government.
This branch of government enforces and carries out laws.
Executive Branch
This document, written in 1787 and ratified in 1788, established the framework of the U.S. government.
Constitution
The first U.S. government, which lacked an executive and judicial branch.
This plan called for equal representation in Congress for each state, regardless of population.
New Jersey Plan
He helped draft the Great Compromise, which determined congressional representation.
Roger Sherman
This system ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful.
checks and balances
This is the process of officially approving the Constitution or an amendment.
ratification
This 1785 law established a system for surveying and selling land west of the Appalachian Mountains.
Land Ordinance of 1785
This 1787 law created a process for admitting new states to the Union.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
These essays, written anonymously by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, promoted ratification of the Constitution.
The Federalist Papers
This group is responsible for officially electing the president and vice president.
electoral college
This group opposed a strong central government and wanted a Bill of Rights.
Anti-Federalists