Foundations of American Government

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak central government and gave more power to the states.

A meeting held in 1787 to create a new Constitution for the United States, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

A proposal for a bicameral legislative branch based on population, favoring larger states.

A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states, favoring smaller states.

An agreement that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxation.

A legislative body with two chambers, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of Congress.

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, headed by the President.

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring they are constitutional.

A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.