Unit 1 Study Guide: The Constitutional Framework and Debates

Articles of Confederation

The original constitution of the United States, which established a weak federal government.

U.S. Constitution

The supreme law of the land, establishing the framework of government and its functions.

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution who advocated for a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution who feared centralized power and wanted stronger state governments.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual liberties.

Brutus No. 1

An Anti-Federalist essay arguing against a strong central government and for local democracies.

Federalist No. 10

A Federalist essay by James Madison addressing the dangers of factions and advocating for a large republic.

Faction

A group of citizens united by a common interest adverse to the rights of others.

Large Republic

A political system where a large number of competing interests prevent any single faction from dominating.

Federalist No. 51

A Federalist essay arguing for the separation of powers and checks and balances within government.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers not delegated to the federal government that are reserved for the states.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the federal and state governments.

Limited Government

The principle that government powers are restricted by law, typically through a constitution.

Rule of Law

The concept that no one is above the law, including government officials.

Ambition must be made to counteract ambition

A famous quote from Federalist No. 51 highlighting the need for checks and balances.

Tyranny of the majority

The potential for a majority to infringe on the rights of minority groups in a democracy.

Participatory Democracy

A form of democracy that emphasizes direct participation of citizens in decision making.

Supremacy Clause

A clause in the Constitution establishing that federal law supersedes state law.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A clause giving Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its duties.

Elitism

A political theory that a minority (the elite) should hold power over the majority.

Plurism

A theory suggesting that multiple groups should compete for power in a democracy, preventing any single group from dominating.

Federal Republic

A mode of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Political Philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about the state, government, politics, liberty, justice, and the enforcement of a legal code.

Anti-Federalist Perspective

A viewpoint emphasizing the dangers of a strong central government based on historical experiences.

Correct Lives, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness

This phrase originates from the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution.