A set of basic principles and laws that states the powers and duties of the government.

The idea that political power belongs to the people.

The sharing of power between a central government and the states.

A Congress of two houses that proposes and passes laws.

The president and the departments that help run the government.

A system of all the national courts.

A system that keeps any branch of government from becoming too powerful.

people who opposed the Constitution and a strong national government

People who supported the Constitution.

Official changes to a document.

first 10 Constitutional amendments that protect the rights of citizens.

Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition

Right to bear arms

Quartering of soldiers

no ureasonable search and seizure

Fair treatment by the courts: due process, double jeopardy; self incrimination

A person charged with a crime has the right to a speedy trial and a lawyer.

A person in a civil case is guaranteed a trial by jury.

A person is proctected from cruel and unusual punishment.

Guarantee of rights not listed in Constitution

Any rights not given to federal government are given to the states and people.

To list formal changes to the Constitution and to ensure the protection of individual civil liberties that stay relevant to current societal needs

fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

created two houses in Congress; one based on population (Virginia Plan) and the other gave equal representation (new Jersey Plan) to each state.

Legislative Branch (Congress)

Executive Branch (President)

Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)

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

Enacted in 1787, it is considered one of the most significant achievements of the Articles of Confederation. It established a system for setting up governments in the western territories so they could eventually join the Union on an equal footing with the original 13 states

A law that set up a plan for surveying western lands

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

A principle of constitutional government; a government whose powers are defined and limited by a constitution.

Basic liberties and rights of all citizens are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.

A philosophy of limited government with elected representatives serving at the will of the people. The government is based on consent of the governed.

A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power

Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, with the legislative branch making law, the executive applying and enforcing the law, and the judiciary interpreting the law

Declare war, print currency / coin money, establish post offices, raise an army / navy, sign treaties, legislative branch could create laws

The meeting of state delegates in 1787 in Philadelphia called to revise the Articles of Confederation. It instead designed a new plan of government, the US Constitution.

A law making body made of two houses (bi means 2). Example: Congress (our legislature) is made of two house - The House of Representatives and The Senate.

Written by Hamilton, Jay, & Madison to support ratification of the U.S. Constituiton

Expresses reasons why Constitution was written. Establishes that the power of government comes from the people.

-solved by Constitution and Bill of Rights

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Obeying laws, paying taxes, and serving on a jury