KEY TERMS Key Terms and People to Know for the Regents Exam
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
Federalists wanted to ratify (approve) the Constitution because it created a strong central government. Anti-Federalists wanted the states to keep more power and they worried that a strong central government might violate citizen’s rights.
Federalist Papers
The primary purpose of the Federalist Papers (a series of essays written by Federalists in favor of the Constitution) was to encourage ratification of the US Constitution.
Anti-Federalists and the Bill of Rights
The Anti-Federalists opposed ratification of the Constitution because it lacked specific protection of individuals’ rights. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to persuade the Anti-Federalists to support ratification.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to ensure that individual rights are protected. First Amendment: Freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly.
Amendment Process
The Amendment process was included in the Constitution to allow for change over time. An amendment requires support from 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of the states.