Constitution Vocabulary

Front

What was the New Jersey Plan?

Back

A proposal for the structure of the United States government that called for each state to have one vote in Congress, regardless of population, introduced by William Paterson in 1787.

Front

What was the Virginia Plan?

Back

A proposal that called for representation in Congress based on each state's population, favoring larger states.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What is the Bill of Rights?

Back

The first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution, designed to protect the rights of individuals.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

What was the Philadelphia Convention?

Back

A meeting of state delegates in 1787 originally intended to fix the Articles of Confederation, which resulted in the drafting of a new Constitution.

Front

What are checks and balances?

Back

A system within government that ensures no branch becomes too powerful, as each branch can 'check' the others.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

Who introduced the New Jersey Plan?

Back

William Paterson, a delegate from New Jersey.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RI.3.7

CCSS.RI.4.7

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

Front

What year was the Philadelphia Convention held?

Back

1787.

Front

Why did the Philadelphia Convention convene?

Back

To address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately draft a new Constitution.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RI.3.7

CCSS.RI.4.7

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7

Front

What is the significance of the Bill of Rights?

Back

It was created to satisfy demands for the protection of individual rights and limit government power.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Front

How did the Virginia Plan influence the structure of Congress?

Back

It led to a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, which favored larger states.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RI.3.7

CCSS.RI.4.7

CCSS.RI.5.7

CCSS.RI.6.7