Constitutional Convention

Bicameral

2-house legislature (law-making body) In the US there is a Senate (equal number of reps) from each state AND a House of Representatives (based on the state's population)

Alliance

An agreement to work together

Judicial Branch

Branch of government that interprets laws and decides if laws are carried out fairly. Made up of the Supreme Court and Federal Courts

Legislative Branch

Branch of government that makes laws. Made up of Congress (House of Representatives + Senate)

Great Compromise

Compromise between the large and small states, resulting in a bicameral legislature. House of Representatives would have representation based on population. Each state, regardless of size, would have 2 senators.

Slave Trade Compromise

Congress could not regulate or outlaw slavery or slave trade until 1808, Slavery can continue to be taxed, Slave Trade abolished in Washington D.C.

3/5 Compromise

Each slave would count for 3/5 of a person for taxation and representation purposes

Fugitive Slave Law

Enacted by Congress in 1793 and 1850, these laws provided for the return of escaped slaves to their owners. Promoted slavery and aided the South.

New Jersey Plan

Plan for new legislature, representation based on equality, each state = 1 vote, supported by smaller states

Virginia Plan

Plan for new legislature, representation based on population, bigger population = more votes, supported by larger states

Federalist Government

Power is shared between national and state governments, each state must obey the authority of the national government

Executive Branch

The branch of government that carries out and enforces laws. Made up of the President, Vice President, and Cabinet.

Slave Trade

The business of capturing, transporting, and selling people as slaves