What do these terms mean?

-Federation
-Confederation
-Checks and Balances
-Anarchy
-popular sovereignty
-states rights

we are doing the time period of 1776-1790 if that helps! :)

wait never mind new set of terms:

-confederation
-anarchy
-states rights
-consent of the governed
-abigail adams

There are lots of good dictionaries online, including two that let you read definitions/explanations from several different sources.

http://www.answers.com
http://www.onelook.com

Try these out. Let us know what you find.

Compare and contrast China and India ca. 1400. What are some important political differences? Why do you think those differences might matter in the way world history develops in the period from 1500 to 1800?

Certainly! Here's an explanation of each term you mentioned, specific to the time period of 1776-1790:

1. Federation: A federation refers to a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and individual member states. In this arrangement, certain powers are delegated to the central government, while other powers are reserved for the states. The United States during the Revolutionary War and the subsequent adoption of the Constitution in 1787 transformed the country from a loose confederation into a federation.

To get more detailed information on the specific events and changes that occurred during this time period in relation to the federation, you could study the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789), which established the first attempt at creating a federal government, and the subsequent Constitutional Convention of 1787 that led to the establishment of the federal system outlined in the United States Constitution.

2. Confederation: A confederation, on the other hand, is a system of government where several independent states form an alliance to achieve common goals. In this structure, power predominantly rests with the individual states, and the central authority has limited powers. Prior to the Constitution, the United States operated under the Articles of Confederation, which established a weak central government and a loose alliance between the states.

To understand more about the specific features and issues surrounding the confederation during 1776-1790, you could study the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how they influenced the push for a stronger central government at the Constitutional Convention.

3. Checks and Balances: Checks and balances is a concept that ensures no single branch of government has excessive power or control. It establishes a system where each branch (legislative, executive, and judicial) can limit the powers of the other branches. This principle was incorporated into the United States Constitution in order to prevent any one branch from becoming too dominant and potentially becoming tyrannical.

To understand how checks and balances were implemented in the U.S. Constitution during the time period you mentioned, I would recommend reading through the specific articles and sections of the Constitution that outline the powers and limitations of each branch. Studying the Federalist Papers, a collection of essays published during the time, can also provide valuable insights into the understanding of checks and balances at the time.

4. Anarchy: Anarchy refers to a state of society without a recognized government or authority. It is a condition where there is no established hierarchy and no centralized control. During the time period of 1776-1790, the United States was actively trying to establish a stable government, moving away from a state of anarchy caused by the Revolutionary War.

To learn more about how the United States transitioned from a state of anarchy to a more structured government during this period, studying the various political debates, events, and writings of the time would provide valuable context.

5. Popular sovereignty: Popular sovereignty is the principle that asserts that the ultimate power and authority in a society rests with the people. It means that the people have the right to govern themselves and make decisions about how they are governed. This concept was prevalent during the American Revolution and was an influential idea in the formation of the United States' system of government.

To explore how popular sovereignty was expressed and implemented during the time period you mentioned, studying key documents such as the Declaration of Independence and analyzing the debates and discussions surrounding the formation of the Constitution would be helpful.

6. States' rights: States' rights refers to the idea that individual states retain certain powers and authorities, separate from the central government. It is a concept that emphasizes the autonomy and sovereignty of each state within a larger federation. During the debate over the form of government in the United States during the late 18th century, there were differing opinions on the balance of power between the central government and the individual states.

To understand more about the discussions and arguments surrounding states' rights during the time period you mentioned, researching the debates at the Constitutional Convention, the drafting of the Constitution, and the ratification process could provide valuable insights.

Keep in mind that the historical understanding of these terms may vary, and it can be useful to consult multiple sources and perspectives to fully grasp their significance during this time period.