First Steps
The very first, weak plan of government for the U.S. before we had the Constitution
Articles of Confederation
Sharing and splitting power between the national government and the state governments
Federalism
An official change or addition made to the Constitution
Amendment
Powers that are shared and used by both the national government and the state governments at the same time
Concurrent Powers
The agreement between slave owning and anti-slavery Founding Fathers to count only three out of every five enslaved people for state population and taxes
Three-Fifth Compromise
Official approval or signing of a document to make it active
Ratification
"No one is above the law."
Rule of Law
The first 10 amendments that list the basic rights and protections guaranteed to all citizens
Bill of Rights
Powers that are specifically given to the national (federal) government by the Constitution
Delegated Powers (Enumerated Powers)
Powers kept strictly for the state governments because they aren't given to the federal government in the Constitution
Reserved Powers
"Fears a strong king; loves state rights; wanted the Bill of Rights added."
Anti-Federalists
"Vetoes, overrides, and declaring laws unconstitutional."
Checks and Balances
Powers that are NOT written word-for-word, but are suggested or assumed to be necessary to get things done
Implied Powers
"National government ONLY (like declaring war)."
Exclusive Powers
"More people = more votes in government!"
The Virginia Plan
"Wants a strong national government; wrote the Federalist Papers."
Federalists
Dividing the government into three separate branches so each has its own specific job
Separation of Powers
Powers that a national government naturally has simply because it is a country's government
Inherent Powers
Powers of the federal government that are clearly and directly written out word-for-word in the Constitution
Expressed Powers
"Federal law wins in a fight with state law."
Supremacy Clause
The deal that created our two-house Congress, making both big states and small states happy
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
A law or action that violates the Constitution, making it illegal is...
Unconstitutional
A two chamber lawmaking body
Bicameral
Government can’t do whatever it wants because people have rights
Limited Government
Coming to an agreement accepted by the majority
Compromise