Key Concepts of Early American Government

Front

Great Compromise

Back

Established a two-house legislature, with representation in the lower house based on state population and equal representation in the upper house.

Front

Articles of Confederation

Back

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak central government and was eventually replaced by the current Constitution.

Front

Three-fifths Compromise

Back

A compromise where each enslaved person would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of taxation and representation.

Front

Northwest Ordinance

Back

A law passed in 1787 to regulate the settlement of the Northwest Territory.

Front

Virginia Plan

Back

A proposal for a new federal government that favored large states, with representation based on population.

Front

New Jersey Plan

Back

A proposal for the United States that favored small states, with equal representation for each state.

Front

Strong State Governments

Back

A political belief that state governments should have more power than the central government. Supported by anti-Federalists

Front

James Madison

Back

Known as the 'Father of the Constitution' .

Front

Alexander Hamilton

Back

An influential Founding Father and author of the Federalist Papers.

Front

Federalists

Back

Supporters of the proposed Constitution who favored a strong national government.