Constitutional Convention
What year was the Constitution written in?
1787
This compromise solved the debate between large and small states over representation in Congress.
The Great Compromise
This principle divides government power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Separation of Powers
These supporters of the Constitution wrote essays defending the new government structure
Federalists
This 1215 English document influenced the Constitution by establishing the principle that even kings must follow the law.
Magna Carta
Which city hosted the Constitutional Convention?
Philadelphia
This compromise counted enslaved people as this fraction of a person for both representation and taxation purposes.
Three-Fifths Compromise
This system ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the others.
Checks and Balances
These opponents of the Constitution feared it gave too much power to the national government.
Anti-Federalists
This 1689 English document influenced the Constitution's protection of individual rights.
English Bill of Rights
What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
To revise the Articles of Confederation
The Great Compromise created this type of legislature with two houses.
Bicameral Legislature
This principle divides power between the national government and state governments.
Federalism
This collection of essays, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, argued for ratification of the Constitution.
Federalist Papers
This 1620 colonial agreement influenced ideas about self-government and majority rule.
Mayflower Compact
James Madison
Small states wanted this type of representation where each state gets equal votes, like under the Articles of Confederation.
Equal Representation
This principle means that government power comes from the people.
Popular Sovereignty
Anti-Federalists demanded this addition to the Constitution to protect individual rights before they would support ratification
Bill of Rights
These essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay explained how the Constitution would work and influenced ratification
Federalist Papers
This was kept secret during the Constitutional Convention to allow delegates to speak freely and change their minds.
Debates
Large states supported this plan that would base representation on population size.
Virginia Plan
This principle ensures that government power is restricted and officials must follow the law.
Limited Government
This state became the ninth to ratify the Constitution, making it officially adopted.
New Hampshire
Colonial grievances listed in this 1776 document were addressed through constitutional protections and the Bill of Rights.
Declaration of Independence