Unit 1 Vocabulary (1.1-1.6)

Legislative branch

• Makes laws (Congress).

• Enforces laws (Executive).

• Interprets laws (Judicial).

• Advises the President.

Shays’s Rebellion

• A military coup against the federal government.

• A farmer uprising that showed weakness of the Articles.

• A peaceful protest for land reform.

• A tax revolt led by wealthy merchants.

Separation of powers

• Each branch has distinct responsibilities.

• All branches have equal power.

• The executive branch can override the legislative branch.

• Judicial review is not part of the separation of powers.

Constitution

• Document that sets up the principles and structures of U.S. government.

• A collection of laws governing individual states.

• A treaty between the U.S. and foreign nations.

• A declaration of independence from British rule.

Executive branch

• Enforces laws (President).

• Makes laws (Congress).

• Interprets laws (Supreme Court).

• Advises the President (Cabinet).

Ex post facto laws

• Laws that allow for the punishment of future actions

• Laws punishing past actions that were legal when committed (forbidden)

• Laws that protect individuals from self-incrimination

• Laws that require a trial by jury in all cases

Social contract

• Agreement where people give up some freedoms to government for protection.

• Contract between individuals to form a community without any government.

• Understanding that citizens can break laws if they disagree with the government.

• Promise made by the government to provide unlimited freedoms to its citizens.

Popular sovereignty

• Government power comes from the people.

• Government power is inherited through monarchy.

• Government power is granted by foreign nations.

• Government power is maintained through military force.

Factions

• Groups of like-minded people who could threaten rights of others.

• Organizations that promote individual rights and freedoms.

• Political parties that work towards common goals.

• Communities that support diverse opinions and beliefs.

Articles of Confederation

• First U.S. government; weak central government, strong states.

• A document that established a strong federal government.

• The first constitution of the United States, promoting a powerful monarchy.

• An agreement that ended the Revolutionary War.