The sharing of power between a national government and states governments.

The division of governmental responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

A gathering held in 1787 where delegates from various states met to create a new constitution for the United States.

The fourth President of the United States, often referred to as the 'Father of the Constitution.'

The compromise reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a two-house legislature, balancing representation between large and small states.

The agreement that determined that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxation.

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention suggesting a legislature based on state population, favoring larger states.

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention advocating for equal representation for each state regardless of population size.

A rebellion in 1786 led by farmers in Massachusetts, protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response to economic difficulties.

A formal change or addition to a legal document, especially the Constitution.

An organization formed by Revolutionary War officers to preserve the ideals of the American Revolution and promote mutual support.

A legislative body consisting of two chambers or houses.

Individuals who supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and a strong national government.

Opponents of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution who favored a weaker national government and stronger state governments.

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and freedoms.

An influential American statesman and key author of The Federalist Papers, who also served as the first Chief Justice of the United States.

A series of 85 articles promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

The formal approval of the U.S. Constitution or an amendment, typically requiring a vote by a certain number of states.

The first President of the United States, widely admired for his leadership during the American Revolution and the founding of the nation.

The first Secretary of the Treasury who established the fiscal foundations of the United States and proposed the creation of a national bank.

The principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, known for his advocacy of individual liberties and democratic principles.

The powers specifically granted to the government by the Constitution, particularly in the areas of legislative authority.

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from the necessary and proper clause, allowing Congress to create laws needed to carry out its responsibilities.

Political party that emerged in opposition to the Federalist Party, advocating for agrarian interests and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

A violent uprising in 1794 against a federal tax on whiskey, viewed as unfair by farmers in western Pennsylvania.

The second President of the United States, known for his role in the American Revolutionary War and for his involvement in the founding of the United States.

An economic philosophy that emphasizes the importance of agriculture and agrarian society, often associated with the political beliefs of Thomas Jefferson.

A law enacted in 1801 that reorganized the federal judiciary and increased the number of judges to ensure Federalist influence in the courts.

A treaty signed in 1794 between the United States and Great Britain that aimed to resolve tensions following the American Revolution and prevent war.

A treaty signed in 1795 between the United States and Spain, resolving territorial disputes and granting Americans access to the Mississippi River.

A term used to describe a conflict between France and the United States during the late 1790s, characterized by an undeclared naval war.

A French diplomat who caused a stir in America by attempting to recruit Americans for the French Revolutionary army, leading to a diplomatic controversy.

A diplomatic incident in 1797-1798 in which French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats, leading to public outrage and calls for war.

Legislation passed in 1798 that made it harder for immigrants to become citizens and allowed for the deportation of non-citizens deemed dangerous or hostile.

Resolutions passed by Kentucky and Virginia in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, asserting that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

The principle that allows a state to invalidate any federal law that it deems unconstitutional.

A farewell address written by the first President of the United States, warning against political parties and foreign alliances.

The first contested presidential election in the United States, where John Adams and Thomas Jefferson emerged as key candidates.

The election that marked a significant political shift, resulting in Thomas Jefferson's victory over incumbent John Adams, and is often referred to as a revolution in government.

The individual who served as vice president under Thomas Jefferson and later became famous for his duel with Alexander Hamilton.

The amendment to the United States Constitution that established the procedures for electing the President and Vice President, particularly in the event of a tie.