filtration
indirect elections
people vote for men, men vote for public officials

bicameral
two houses

bill of rights
first 10 amendments

classical republicanism
democratic ideal requiring citizens to participate directly in public affairs, seek the public interest, and defer to natural leaders.

confederation
alliance of independent states giving some of their powers to a national government

delegate representation
representatives focus on the voters wishes

federalism
power divided between national and state government

new jersey plan
most government authority with the state governments
favored small

Virginia plan
Madison's plan
favored larger states
national government stronger

originalism
interpretation on the original meeting of those who wrote the constitution

pragmatism
the constitution evolves differently with each generation
Thomas jefferson

unicameral
one chamber