Foundational Ideas/ Theories
These rights are considered inherent and exist independent of government, including life, liberty, and property.
What are natural rights?
This document served as the United States’ first national framework of government. It created a very weak national government.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The principle that divides government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
What is the separation of powers?
A written guarantee of individual liberties added to gain ratification support.
What is the Bill of Rights/ The First Ten Amendments?
Powers belonging only to the national government, such as declaring war or coining money.
What are exclusive powers?
This principle holds that legitimate government authority comes from the consent of the governed.
What is popular sovereignty?
The compromise that counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation.
What is the three-fifths compromise?
Supporters of the Constitution who favored a stronger national government.
Who are the federalists?
This constitutional clause grants Congress authority over trade between states.
What is the Commerce Clause?
A requirement imposed by the federal government on states. (funded or unfunded)
What is a federal mandate?
This theory argues that individuals give up some personal freedom in exchange for protection of their natural rights.
What is the social contract?
This uprising of indebted farmers in Massachusetts revealed the national government’s inability to maintain order or enforce laws.
What is Shay's Rebellion?
Opponents of the Constitution who feared centralized power.
Who are the anti-federalists?
This constitutional principle explains why federal law prevails over state law when they conflict.
What is the supremacy clause?
Powers shared by both the federal and state governments.
What are concurrent powers?
This foundational principle limits government power through laws and structures to prevent tyranny.
What is limited government?
Madison argues that this type of political system (size) is better equipped to control factions.
What is a large republic?
At the Constitutional Convention, the plan proposed representation based on population with a bicameral congress/legislative branch.
What is the Virginia Plan?
This system divides power between national and state governments.
What is federalism?
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution.The words are actually there.
What are enumerated/ expressed/delegated powers?
In Federalist No. 10, this term describes groups motivated by shared interests that may conflict with the public good (in a large republic)
What are factions/ interest groups?
Under the Articles, Congress lacked this essential authority, forcing reliance on voluntary state contributions (money).
What is the power to tax?
At the Constitutional Convention, the plan proposed equal representation for states and a unicameral Congress/ legislative branch.
What is the New Jersey Plan?
The clause that allows Congress to choose how to carry out its listed powers.
What is the necessary and proper clause?
This model of democracy emphasizes widespread citizen participation in elections, town halls, and civic life.
What is participatory democracy?