Key Events and Concepts in Early American History

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Shays Rebellion

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An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by Massachusetts farmers protesting taxes.

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Constitutional Convention

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A meeting in 1787 where delegates decided to draft a new constitution for the United States.

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Virginia Plan

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A proposal for a bicameral legislative branch with representation based on population.

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New Jersey Plan

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A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

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Great Compromise

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An agreement creating a bicameral congressional representation, combining the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

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Ratification

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The official approval of the Constitution, or an amendment, by the states.

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Federalism

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A system of government where power is divided between the Federal Government and the State Government.

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Concurrent Powers

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Powers shared by both the federal and state governments.

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Separation of Powers

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The division of government responsibilities into three branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

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Checks and Balances

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A system that allows each branch of government to amend (change) or veto acts of another branch to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.