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The U.S. Government

TermDefinition
Articles of Confederation First plan of government for the United States. Was a failure and replaced by the Constitution
Shays' Rebellion Rebellion in 1787 by farmers who were ex-soldiers in the Continental Army. National government could not put it down due to lack of military.
Constitutional Convention Meeting in 1787 of the elected representatives of the thirteen original states to write the Constitution of the United States.
Great Compromise Compromise that Congress would have two chambers: A House of Representatives based on population, and a Senate with two Senators per state
House of Representatives The lower house of Congress, consisting of a different number of representatives from each state, depending on population. The higher a state's population, the more representatives it has
Senate The upper house of Congress, consisting of two Senators from each state
Three-Fifths Compromise Compromise between northern and southern states at the Constitutional Convention that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for determining representation in the House of Representatives and taxes
Separation of Powers the division of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government
Legislative Branch The branch of government that makes the laws. Commonly known as Congress
Executive Branch The branch of government that enforces laws. Led by the President
Judicial Branch The branch of government that interprets laws. Consists of Supreme Court and lower courts
Supreme Court Consists of nine justices, each appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress. Appointment is for life. Supreme Court exercises the power to determine if laws are constitutional or unconstitutional
Checks and Balances A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Bill A proposed law that the legislative branch votes on
Veto When the president rejects a bill and won't sign it to make it a law
How a bill becomes a law 1. written 2. discussed in committee + voted 3. discussed in House of Reps. and Senate + voted on in both 4. President signs it or vetoes it (which brings back to Congress, needs 2/3 vote to override veto)
Federalism A system in which power is divided between the federal and state governments
Federal Government Government for the entire United States. Also known as the national government.
State Government Refers to the government of an individual state, such as the New York State Government
Delegated Powers Powers directly stated in the Constitution that the federal government has
Reserved Powers Powers that the Constitution leaves up to the individual states
Concurrent Powers Powers shared by the federal and state governments
Federalists Supporters of the Constitution and a larger, more powerful central government
Anti-Federalists Opponents of the Constitution who wanted a smaller central government with more state power
Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the Constitution
Amendment A change to the Constitution
First Amendment 5 freedoms: Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech (RAPPS)
Second Amendment Right to bear arms
Third Amendment The government may not house soldiers in private homes without consent of the owner
Fourth Amendment Protects against unreasonable search and seizure
Fifth Amendment Prohibits government from forcing individuals to testify against themselves.
Sixth Amendment A constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to an attorney, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.
Seventh Amendment Right to a trial by jury in civil cases
Eighth Amendment No cruel and unusual punishment
Ninth Amendment states that people's rights are not limited to just those listed in the Constitution.
Tenth Amendment Amendment stating that the powers not given to the federal government are left up to the states
Created by: MrsJungOMS
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