| A | B |
|---|
| Articles of Confederation | The first written constitution which set up a weak central government and more state power. |
| checks and balances | Each branch of government has the ability to check the activities and powers of the other branches. |
| concurrent powers | Powers shared between the state and national government. |
| constitution | Written set of laws which the government must follow. |
| delegated power | Powers given to the federal government. |
| executive branch | Branch of government that enforces the laws. |
| federalism | Power of government should be divided between the federal and states within the union. |
| Great Compromise | larger states and smaller states that a lower house in Congress would be based on population and an upper house would have equal representation. |
| judicial branch | Branch of government which interprets the laws. |
| legislative branch | Branch of government which makes the laws. |
| New Jersey plan | Plan that representation in Congress should be equal (one vote) among states. |
| Northwest Ordinance | Established a system in which the western territories could eventually become states. |
| popular sovereignty | Power of the government should be with the people |
| reserved powers | Powers set aside for the state. |
| republicanism | Elected representatives should represent the people. |
| separation of powers | Division of power between three branches of government. |
| Shays's Rebelllion | Rising up of farmers in Massachusetts due to the economic crisis |
| Three-Fifths Compromise | Slave compromise stating that slaves would count for a particular portion in the census. |
| Virginia Plan | Plan that representation in Congress should be determined by population. |
| Constitutional Convention | Meeting of delegates in 1787 to form a new system of government. |
| unalienable rights | God-given, cannot be taken away by government |
| freedom of the press | Newspapers can criticize the government |
| freedom of assembly | people can attend a political rally |
| Battle of Saratoga | French give aide to the Americans after this victory |
| Battle of Yorktown | final victory which won the Revolution |
| Treaty of Paris 1783 | Great Britian recognizes America as independent nation |
| Articles of Confederation | first Constitution- didn't give central gov't much power |
| due process | rights guaranteed to the accused |
