Chapter Study Guide (1-17) Flashcards
(110 cards)
What is the Declaration of Independence?
The document written to declare the American colonies free from British rule. July 4, 1776.
What is suffrage?
The right to vote.
What are the Articles of Confederation?
The document that created the first central government for the United States.
What is a confederation?
A type of government in which the states have more power than the central government.
What is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
Legislation passed by Congress to establish a political structure for the Northwest Territory and created a system for admission for new states.
What are tariffs?
Taxes on imported goods.
What is the main weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
The states have too much power; the central government doesn’t have enough power.
What was the Great Compromise?
The creation of a bicameral legislature with one house based on population and the other based on equality.
What is the 3/5 Compromise?
An agreement in which only three out of every five slaves would count toward a state’s population and taxes.
What is popular sovereignty?
Majority rule.
What is federalism?
The sharing of power between the central government and its states.
What is the legislative branch?
The branch of government that makes laws.
What is the executive branch?
The branch of government that enforces laws.
What is the judicial branch?
The branch of government that interprets laws.
What is the U.S. Constitution?
The document that created the powers and duties of a strong central U.S. government.
Who are the anti-federalists?
Supporters of strong state governments.
Who are the federalists?
Supporters of a strong central government.
What are the Federalist Papers?
Essays supporting the Constitution that were written anonymously.
What is propaganda?
Material that is biased to help or harm a cause.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.
What is the separation of powers?
A government with multiple parts that each have their own rights, powers, and privileges.
What does veto mean?
To reject or cancel.
What is the 1st Amendment?
Freedom of speech, press, petition, assembly, and religion.
What is the 2nd Amendment?
Right to bear arms.