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| A group of representatives not elected, from the thirteen colonies that governed during the American Revolution. |
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| The unification of the American colonies to stop Great Britain from imposing unfair taxes on goods such as; sugar, tea, and stamps. This eventually led to the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War. |
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| An amendment on the defense departments Detainee treatment act, the amendment banned the use of cruel and inhumane treatment. President Bush used the constitutional authority provided to the commander and chief to override the law he signed by issuing a signing statement the bill would hinder his ability to protect the American people. |
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| Thomas Paine and Common Sense |
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| Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense; which was an article that helped the colonies decide to declare independence from Great Britain by pointing out the tyranny and oppression by the British on mankind’s rights, specifically American’s rights. |
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| The Declaration of Independence |
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| Adopted July 4th, 1776; this declared America’s independence from Great Britain and that government could only be established by the people, and that all men had inalienable rights. Also that if the social contract was violated the people have the right to overthrow the government and institute a new one. Women, Native Americans, and Africans were not discussed in this declaration. |
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| Omissions of the declaration |
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| The declaration left out the political status of women, Native Americans, and African Americans. |
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| A loose association of territorial units formed for a common purpose. |
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| Articles of confederation |
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| These articles ratified that the states would regulate and tax themselves, leaving the central government with little power; the ability to make war and peace. It had no President to oversee the legislature. The government relied on states willing tax contributions. States began to compete heavily and tariff neighbors goods. All national rules had to be approved by a 9 - 13 majority. Amendments to the constitution had to be passed by a unanimous decision. |
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| A legislative chamber with one body. |
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| 18th Century Republicanism |
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| A political doctrine advocating limited government based on popular consent, and protection against majority tyranny. By electing representatives they would ensure popular consent. Limiting the power of government by a written constitution, and separating it’s power so that no one leader could control. Limiting the access of the majority was accomplished by making only one branch of the government elected by the majority ; the house of representative. The 18th century Republicans believed that the representatives knew best and should govern accordingly. |
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| Shays Rebellion / Stay Acts |
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| Forbade foreclosure for non payment of debts. Brought about by Shay’s rebellion in 1786. Men stormed western Massachusetts' court houses with guns to prevent judges from ordering the seizure of farms. |
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| The Framers of the Constitution |
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| Were well educated white men of high social standing. Many have wondered if this hindered their ability to craft a constitution recognizing what was important to the majority of the time which were uneducated laborers. |
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| Drafted by James Madison, A strong national legislature with seats appointed based on the states population. The legislature would have the power to appoint an executive and veto state laws. |
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| A single legislative branch with equal representation of the states population didn't matter. |
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| A two house legislature where the House of Representatives seats were appointed be states population, and the Senate had equal numbers of seats for each state. |
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| Allows the states to retain some power and share some power with other states with a significant amount of power being granted to a central government. |
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| Means the laws the central government make supper cede state laws. |
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| This gives congress the authority to makes whatever law is needed for them to carry out their responsibilities. |
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| The first amendments to the constitution, it states 10 liberties that must be protected. |
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| Those who supported the constitution. Like George Washington and James Madison. |
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| Those who opposed the constitution. They insisted on a bill of rights being added to the constitution. Like George Mason and Patrick Henry. |
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| The power of the Judicial branch to declare a law unconstitutional. |
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| A statement; issued by the executive branch, stating the Presidents interpretation of a law and how the executive branch should carry out this law. |
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| Congress was granted the power to regulate interstate commerce, to create a national currency, to establish national bankruptcy laws, and to create patent and copy right laws. Because of slavery in the south free enterprise took a while to be fully recognized, the north saw free enterprise first. |
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