Chapter 5 Key Terms

constitution A set of basic principles and laws that states the powers and duties of the government

Articles of Confederation Congress was the single branch of government with limited powers in order to protect the rights of the people.

Northwest Territory An area that is now Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin

Trade between two or more states Interstate commerce Trade between two or more states

inflation This occurs when there are increased prices for goods and services combined with the reduced value of money.

Shays’s Rebellion The uprising of farmers to protest high taxes and heavy debt. Led by Massachusetts farmer, Daniel Shays

Constitutional Convention Held in May 1787 in Philadelphia's Independence Hall to improve the Articles of Confederation

Great Compromise The agreement to create a two-house legislature. Compromise between the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan

Three-Fifths Compromise An agreement which stated that only three-fifths of the state’s slave population would count when determining representation

The idea that political power belongs to the people Popular sovereignty The idea that political power belongs to the people

People who opposed the Constitution Antifederalists People who opposed the Constitution

Supporters of the Constitution Federalists Supporters of the Constitution

federalism The sharing of power between a central government and the states that make up a country

Magna Carta A document signed by King John in 1215 which made the King subject to the law

suffrage The right to vote

ratification Official approval

tariffs Taxes on imports or exports