sharing power between the federal government and state governments
federalism
a system of government where citizens rule through elected representatives
republic
the formal act of freeing someone from slavery by their owner
manumission
having two houses in a legislature
bicameral
Who said all people have natural rights to life, liberty and property
John Locke
Who said government powers should be clearly defined and came up with "separation of powers"
Baron de Montesquieu
Why did states come up with their own constitutions?
1. to spell out the rights of the citizens 2. to limit the power of government
List some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
1. Congress had limited power 2. Couldn't collect taxes 3. couldn't enforce laws
How many states had to ratify the Constitution before it could become law?
9/13
What was the three-fifths compromise?
An agreement that 3/5 of the slave population would be counted for southern states.
How did the Bill of Rights become part of the Constitution?
In order to get all of the states to ratify the Constitution, delegates promised to add the bill of rights though an amendment process.
Which group supported a strong central government and ratification of the constitution?
Federalists
Which group was against ratification because there was no bill of rights and they feared it would give the federal government too much power?
Anti-Federalists
Which branch of the government makes the laws?
legislative branch
which branch of government judges the laws and settles disputes?
judicial branch
which branch of government executes the laws?
executive branch
