What was the first U.S. national government?
Articles of Confederation (1781–1789)
The Articles of Confederation established a weak national government.
What type of legislature did the Articles of Confederation create?
Unicameral legislature (only one house of Congress)
This structure limited the legislative power of the national government.
What power was the national government lacking under the Articles of Confederation?
No power to tax
The government could only request money from states.
What was the Land Ordinance of 1785?
Created a system for surveying and selling land west of Appalachia
This was intended to raise money and pay war debts.
What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 outline?
The process for territories to become states
It included provisions for governance and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
What event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Shays’ Rebellion (1786–1787)
Farmers rebelled against debt collectors and taxes, showcasing the government’s inability to maintain order.
Who is known as the ‘Father of the Constitution’?
James Madison
His contributions were crucial during the Constitutional Convention.
What was the Virginia Plan?
Representation based on population
This plan favored larger states during the Constitutional debates.
What was the New Jersey Plan?
Equal representation per state
This plan favored smaller states.
What compromise created a bicameral Congress?
Great Compromise (Roger Sherman)
It established the Senate and House of Representatives.
What was the ⅗ Compromise?
3 out of every 5 enslaved people counted toward representation
This compromise addressed the contentious issue of slavery in representation.
What is federalism?
Power split between state and federal government
It is a key feature of the U.S. Constitution.
What are the three branches of government established by the Constitution?
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
This separation of powers is designed to prevent abuses of power.
What is the purpose of checks and balances?
Each branch can limit the other
This system ensures that no single branch becomes too powerful.
What is the Electoral College?
System to elect president
It is a unique mechanism established by the Constitution.
What does the Elastic Clause allow Congress to do?
Gives implied powers beyond what is explicitly written
Also known as the Necessary & Proper Clause.
Who were the Federalists?
Supporters of the Constitution
Key figures included Hamilton, Madison, Jay, Washington, and Adams.
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
Opposed the Constitution
They feared too much federal power; notable figures included Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams.
What are the Federalist Papers?
85 essays defending the Constitution
They were written to persuade states to ratify the Constitution.
What is the Bill of Rights?
1st 10 amendments added to protect individual rights
It was added to satisfy Anti-Federalists’ concerns.
What year did New Hampshire become the 9th state to ratify the Constitution?
1789
This made the Constitution official.
