| A | B |
|---|
| checks and balances | separates the power into branches, limits the power of each branch |
| Bill of Rights | outlines basic freedoms |
| judicial branch | interprets laws |
| executive branch | enforces the laws |
| legislative branch | creates laws |
| federalist | supporter of the US Constitution |
| anti-federalist | opposed the US Constitution |
| Virginia Plan | proposed a strong national government, the "big state" plan |
| Congress | the House of Representatives and Senate |
| New Jersey Plan | drafted the small state plan that created a national government with little power |
| The Great Compromise | a plan that incorporated proportional and equal representation |
| proportional representation | representation based on population |
| equal representation | representation is the same between states |
| confederation | a loose organization of states that have stronger individual state powers than federal |
| Declaration of Independence | adopted July 4, 1776 |
| Articles of Confederation | lasted for 8 years from 1781-1789 |
