Questions and Answers
What were the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
The legislative branch had no power to regulate commerce or forcibly collect taxes, and there was no national executive or judicial branch.
What exactly was compromised in the Great Compromise?
It resulted in a bicameral Congress with representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
What is the purpose of 'checks and balances' in our government?
To prevent actions by the other branches and induce them to share power.
Where in the Constitution would one find the protection of basic rights?
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What was important about the Land Ordinance and the Northwest Ordinance?
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What is meant when the constitution is referred to as the 'supreme law of the land'?
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What are the 3 branches of Government?
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How did George Washington's leadership as president help create a stable political foundation for the US?
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Why was the US interested in the Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion overall?
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What major issues did Andrew Jackson face as president and where did he stand on them?
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What evidence suggests that Jackson was a President for the common man?
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Study Notes
Major Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
- Congress lacked power to regulate commerce and collect taxes, leading to economic instability.
- Absence of a national executive and judicial branch hindered enforcement and interpretation of laws.
- States competed against each other for foreign trade, weakening national unity.
- Weaknesses were intentionally designed to prevent the emergence of a monarchy.
The Great Compromise
- Established a bicameral Congress consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
- House representation based on population; Senate provided equal representation with two Senators per state.
- Tax bills must originate in the House, balancing the interests of both large and small states.
Purpose of Checks and Balances
- Prevents any single government branch from exercising unchecked power.
- Encourages cooperation and shared responsibility among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.
- Essential for avoiding the establishment of a dictatorship.
Protection of Basic Rights in the Constitution
- The Bill of Rights enumerates and safeguards fundamental liberties for citizens.
Importance of the Land Ordinance and Northwest Ordinance
- Land Ordinance of 1785 provided a framework for surveying and selling frontier lands to alleviate national debt.
- Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established a process for admitting new states, promoting westward expansion.
Constitution as the "Supreme Law of the Land"
- The Constitution holds highest legal authority over all state and local laws.
- Federal laws and rights cannot be overridden by state legislation or local ordinances.
Three Branches of Government
- Divided into Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches to ensure a system of checks and balances.
George Washington's Leadership Impact
- Advocated for avoidance of permanent foreign alliances to maintain independence.
- Warned against the divisive nature of political parties, helping to stabilize early American politics.
U.S. Interest in Louisiana Purchase and Westward Expansion
- Motivated by a desire to avoid conflicts with France and access natural resources, particularly gold.
- Aimed to utilize surplus land for economic growth and gain profits from western resources.
Andrew Jackson's Presidential Challenges
- Opposed the National Bank, vetoing its re-charter in favor of smaller state banks, arguing against its profit-driven nature.
- Ignored judicial rulings concerning Native American sovereignty, enforcing relocation policies that led to the Trail of Tears.
Evidence of Jackson as a President for the Common Man
- Engaged with public opinions to drive improvements and respond to citizen needs.
- Relocated Native American nations to satisfy citizen demands.
- Eliminated the Second Bank of the United States to protect citizens from financial exploitation.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Articles of Confederation and the key compromises that led to the framing of the Constitution. This quiz will cover the major weaknesses of the Articles and important agreements made during the Constitutional Convention.
