1787 Constitution Flashcards
(32 cards)
When was the Philadelphia Convention?
May to September 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What was the original purpose of the Philadelphia Convention?
Originally to revise the Articles of Confederation.
What was the outcome of the Philadelphia Convention?
Delegates ended up scrapping the Articles entirely and drafting a new Constitution.
Key figures at Philadelphia Convention?
George Washington (presided), James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin
Why was the Philadelphia Convention created?
U.S. had been governed under the Articles of Confederation
When was US governed under articles of confederation?
1781–1789
What was the problem with the articles of confederation?
Weak federal government: no power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws.
What event revealed article’s of confederations’ incompetence?
Shays’ Rebellion (1786–87)
What were 3 reasons for Shay’s Rebellion?
Economic Struggles
Government Ineffectiveness
Harsh Taxation and Debt Collection
How were economic struggles a reason for Shay’s rebellion?
Post-war depression led to rising debt for farmers.
High taxes and inflation made it difficult for farmers to pay debts.
How was Government weakness a reason for Shay’s rebellion?
Under Articles of Confederation, the federal government had limited power to regulate commerce or provide economic relief
How was Massachusetts government unhelpful to farmers?
Unable or unwilling to help struggling farmers
How was harsh taxation and debt collection a reason for Shay’s rebellion?
The Massachusetts state government imposed heavy property taxes to pay off war debts.
Events of Shay’s Rebellion
1786, Daniel Shays and other farmers began protesting against tax collectors and the seizure of farms
The protests grew into an armed rebellion
January 1787, Shays and followers attempted to seize federal arsenal in Springfield, Massachusetts, but rebellion put down by state militia.
Significance of Shay’s rebellion?
Revealed Weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation:
Sparked Constitutional Reform
A Catalyst for Change
5 Key features of 1787 Constitution
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Popular Sovereignty
Limited Government
What was federalism?
Power shared between national and state governments.
What three branches were separated?
Three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
Why were the branches separated?
Prevents concentration of power.
What is meant by checks and balances?
Each branch can limit the power of the others (e.g., President can veto laws, Congress can impeach).
What was meant by popular sovereignty?
Government derives power from the consent of the governed.
What was meant by limited government?
Government powers are restricted by law
What were 3 compromises made at the Philadelphia Constitution?
Great Compromise ( Connecticut Compromise )
Three-fifths compromise
Commerce and slave trade compromise
How did Great Compromise solve disputes between small and large states?
House of Representatives based on population.
Senates with equal representation
