Competency 3.1 - identify the features and principles of the US Constitution, including its amendments, the separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism

a basic plan that outlines the structure and functions of the national government

original government structure of the US; ultimately weak and ineffective due to its inability to levy taxes, draft troops, regulate interstate and foreign trade, and its lack of a powerful executive branch

led by revolutionary war veteran Daniel Shays, this rebellion of farmers against the tax collectors and banks exposed the true weakness of the government under the articles of confederation

held in Philadelphia in 1787, founding fathers convened to revise the articles of confederation; every state (except RI) met over four months and drafted the constitution

written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, these essays express the political philosophies of the founding fathers and was instrumental in bringing about the ratification of the constitution

ensurance that no branch has too much unchecked power

a plan for a legislative branch with a number of representatives based on the state’s population

a plan for a legislative branch with a set number of representatives per state, regardless of differing populations

based off the Virginia plan and New Jersey plan, this plan for a legislative branch suggested two separate parts of Congress: one with representatives based off state population and one with set representatives per state

half of congress where all states have equal voting power; based off New Jersey plan

half of congress where voting power is determined in proportion to a state’s population; based off Virginia plan

decided that each slave is worth three-fifths of a person for purposes of determining population count with regard ro direct taxation on states ans number of representatives in the House

these people argued for the adoption of the Constitution and stood by its power; consisted of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

these people argued against the adoption of the constitution, arguing the constitution fails to uphold some basic rights and that itll weaken states, favor the wealthy, and diminish individual liberty; consisted of Henry Adams, Sam Adams, and Thomas Jefferson

representatives of each state that votes for the president; number is proportionate to the population of the state

a written guaruntee of certain basic rights and freedoms for all citizens; first ten amendments of the US constitution

divides the powers of government between state, local, and national power

consists of congress (senate & house of representatives); creates laws and policies for the US

consists of the president and vice president; upholds laws and standards of the country

consists of the supreme court; determines whether laws created are constitutional

the idea that government derives its power from the people

the enforcement of government with limits