All Flashcards
What caused the Constitutional Convention?
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
What was the effect of the Federalist Papers?
Persuaded many to ratify the Constitution, especially in New York.
What caused the Bill of Rights?
Antifederalist concerns about the lack of protection for individual liberties in the Constitution.
What was the effect of the Great Compromise?
Resolved the issue of representation in Congress, leading to a bicameral legislature.
What was the effect of the Electoral College?
Indirect election of the President, preventing direct democracy and protecting smaller states.
What caused the rise of Federalists?
Belief in a strong national government for stability, commerce, and defense.
What caused the rise of Anti-Federalists?
Fear of a powerful national government and concern for states' rights.
What was the effect of checks and balances?
Prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
What was the effect of the Supremacy Clause?
Established federal law as supreme to state law, strengthening the national government.
What was the cause of the Whiskey Rebellion?
A federal tax on whiskey.
Define 'ratification'.
The process of states approving the Constitution.
What is the 'Bill of Rights'?
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties.
Define 'Federalism'.
A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.
What are 'checks and balances'?
A system where each branch of government can limit the power of the other two.
Define 'Electoral College'.
A body of electors chosen to elect the President and Vice President.
What is the 'Preamble' of the Constitution?
The introduction to the Constitution, stating its goals and source of authority.
Define 'state sovereignty'.
The concept that states have supreme power within their own borders.
What is a 'bicameral legislature'?
A legislature with two houses or chambers.
Define 'judicial review'.
The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.
What is the 'supremacy clause'?
A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law is supreme to state law.
Who was James Madison?
The "Father of the Constitution"; he drafted the Virginia Plan.
Who was George Washington?
Chairman of the Constitutional Convention; his leadership was crucial.
Who was Alexander Hamilton?
A leading Federalist who co-authored The Federalist Papers.
Who was Patrick Henry?
A prominent Antifederalist who opposed the Constitution.
Who was John Jay?
A Federalist who co-authored The Federalist Papers.
Who was Samuel Adams?
A leading Antifederalist who feared a strong central government.
Who was John Hancock?
A prominent Antifederalist.
Who was Thomas Jefferson?
Although absent from the convention, his ideas influenced the process.
Who was Benjamin Franklin?
Played a key role in shaping the final document of the Constitution.
Who was Gouverneur Morris?
He is credited with writing the Preamble and was a strong advocate for a powerful national government.