Key Concepts of the U.S. Constitution and Early Government

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Articles of Confederation

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The first constitution of the United States, establishing a national government with limited powers.

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Land Ordinance of 1785

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A law that set up a system for surveying and selling land in the Northwest Territory.

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Northwest Ordinance of 1787

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Legislation that provided for the orderly expansion of the United States by establishing a process for territories to become states.

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Shays’ Rebellion/Daniel Shays

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An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response.

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Constitutional Convention

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A meeting in 1787 where delegates from the states wrote the U.S. Constitution. This happened in Philadelphia.

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Constitution

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The supreme law of the United States, outlining the national framework of government.

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Bicameral

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A legislative body having two branches or chambers, such as the U.S. Congress.

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Congress/House of Representatives/Senate

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The legislative branch of the U.S. government, consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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Federalism

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A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

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Separation of powers

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