1. Most important

2. Independence & self-government

3. Served in Virginia House of Delegates & Continental Congress

4. Spoke more than 150 speeches about strong national government

5. "Father of the Constitution"

1. Strong federal government

2. Lifetime appointments for government officials

3. Defended new constitution against critics who thought the federal government was too powerful

1. Was in 1st & 2nd Continental Congress

2. Led Continental Army during Revolutionary War

3. Father of the country

4. Strong national government

5. Low-key during convention - mediated disputes

New Jersey Plan

1. Federalist

2. Led push for ratification in PA

1. Leader of Anti-Federalists

2. Believed Constitution was too radical

1. Closely followed ratification progress via letters w/ James Madison & others

2. Supported Constitution's ratification

3. Believed in bill of rights

Federalist Papers

Factions will keep government from becoming too powerful & ignoring minority rights

Distinction between democracy & republic

System of checks & balances prevent abuses of power

In favor of independent judiciary that has judicial review (power to declare laws unconstitutional)

States that refused to ratify Constitution

People hold the power

Voters elect representatives to make laws on their behalf

Government mostly stays out of business matters

Protects Americans' freedom of speech, religion, press & protest peacefully & petition the government

Protect rights of people accused of crime

Government can't search person's home

1. People don't have to testify against themselves

2. People can't be punished more than once for same crime

3. Due process of law - anyone accused of a crime has right to fair judicial procedures

Guarantee to speedy, public trial by impartial jury

Protects against excessive fines & cruel & unusual punishment

People are not limited to rights specifically stated in Bill of Rights

Federal government is limited to powers specifically mentioned in Constitution