Chapter 2- The Constitution | POLS 1101 - American Government, Quizzes of Local Government Studies

Download Chapter 2- The Constitution | POLS 1101 - American Government and more Quizzes Local Government Studies in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 "take care" clause DEFINITION 1 The provision in Article II, Section 3, of the Constitution instructing the president to "take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." TERM 2 Antifederalists DEFINITION 2 A loosely organized group (never a formal political party) that opposed ratification of the Constitution, which it believed would jeopardize individual freedom and states rights. After ratification, the efforts of this group led to the adoption of the first ten amendments, the Bill of Rights. TERM 3 Articles of Confederation DEFINITION 3 The compact among the thirteen original states that formed the basis of the first government of the United States. They were the formal basis of the national government from 1777 to 1789, when they were supplanted by the Constitution. TERM 4 Bicameral legislation DEFINITION 4 A legislature composed of two houses or chambers. Applies to the U.S. Congress (House and Senate) and every U.S. state legislature (with the exception of Nebraskas, which is unicameral). TERM 5 Bill of rights DEFINITION 5 The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. TERM 6 Checks and balances DEFINITION 6 A constitutional mechanism giving each branch some oversight and control of the other branches. Examples are the presidential veto, Senate approval of presidential appointments, and judicial review of presidential and congressional actions. TERM 7 Commerce clause DEFINITION 7 The clause in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution that gives Congress the authority to regulate commerce with other nations and among the states. TERM 8 Confederation DEFINITION 8 A political system in which states or regional governments retain ultimate authority except for those powers they expressly delegate to a central government. TERM 9 Declaration of Independence DEFINITION 9 The document drafted by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring the independence of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain. TERM 10 Faction DEFINITION 10 A group of people sharing common interests who are opposed to other groups with competing interests. James Madison defined it as any group with objectives contrary to the general interests of society. (