10 Questions
What was the primary concern for the states when creating a new federal government?
Giving too much power to the central government
What was the main reason for establishing a new government for the newly independent colonies?
To uphold the ideas of the Declaration of Independence
What was the result of the difficulty in agreeing on a constitution among the states?
The Articles of Confederation were created
What was a strength of the Articles of Confederation?
It prevented the federal government from gaining too much power
What was one power given to the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?
The power to declare war
What was established by the Land Ordinance of 1785?
A system for settling the Northwest Territory
What was a provision of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
Outlawed slavery in the Northwest Territory
What was required for a territory to petition for statehood under the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
60,000 free settlers
What was set aside in each township under the Land Ordinance of 1785?
One section for public schools
What was the purpose of the Land Ordinance of 1785's system of surveying and dividing land?
To raise revenue for the government
Study Notes
Establishing a Government
- After gaining independence, the newly formed colonies needed a government to uphold the ideas of the Declaration of Independence.
- Each state had already formed its own government and written its state constitution, which usually included legislative and executive branches.
- A federal government was necessary for the nation, but all states had to approve it to govern the US during the American Revolution.
Articles of Confederation
- Creating a constitution was challenging due to differing opinions among states, which wanted a weak central government to avoid replacing British rule with a strong central authority.
- This led to a loose alliance of 13 independent states, with the government being a compromise between states and the Continental Congress.
Strengths of the Articles of Confederation
- Prevented the federal government from gaining too much power.
- Allowed each state to make its own decisions.
- Each state had equal power in Congress, with one state equaling one vote.
- The government had powers including declaring war, appointing military officers, coining money, operating post offices, and conducting foreign affairs.
Accomplishments Under the Articles of Confederation
Land Ordinance of 1785
- Set up a system for settling the Northwest Territory.
- Surveyed land and divided it into townships.
- Sold land to settlers, generating revenue for the government.
- Set aside one section of each township for public schools.
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
- Established a government for the Northwest Territory.
- Guaranteed basic rights to settlers.
- Outlawed slavery in the territory.
- New territories were to be admitted as new states, not absorbed into existing ones.
- A territory needed 60,000 free settlers to petition for statehood.
Learn about the establishment of the US government after gaining independence, including the role of state constitutions and the need for a federal government. Understand the context of the American Revolution and the importance of a unified government.
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