explain
make plain and comprehensible
grievance
a complaint about a wrong that causes resentment
Enlightenment
a movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine
social contract
an agreement that results in the organization of society
precedent
an example that is used to justify similar occurrences
Articles of Confederation
a written agreement ratified in 1781 by the thirteen original states; it provided a legal symbol of their union by giving the central government no coercive power over the states or their citizens
U.S. Constitution
the constitution written at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 and subsequently ratified by the original thirteen states
Federalist
a member of a former political party in the United States that favored a strong centralized federal government
persuasive
intended or having the power to induce action or belief
Bill of Rights
a statement of fundamental rights and privileges