A form of government in which powers are divided between a central government and several local governments.

Independent states, each having essentially sovereign powers.

government by the people

the branch of government that carries out laws and includes the president

the belief that government should be based on the consent of the people

Who said that the best form of government includes a separation of powers?

1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (weaknesses-no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade)

Rebellion highlighted the need for a strong national government just as the call for the Constitutional Convention went out.

supporters of the Constitution

favored a weaker national government and only willing to ratify with addition of a Bill of Rights

85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name "Publius" to defend/support the Constitution in detail.

English philosopher who argued that people have natural rights

Law applies to everyone, even those who govern

Constitution is the supreme law of the land