Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
Which of the following best describes a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
- It prevented states from forming their own militias for defense.
- It created a powerful executive branch that could easily dominate the legislature.
- It granted too much power to the central government, leading to tyranny.
- It lacked a national court system to resolve disputes between states. (correct)
Shays' Rebellion demonstrated the strength and effectiveness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation.
Shays' Rebellion demonstrated the strength and effectiveness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation.
False (B)
What was the primary goal of the Virginia Plan proposed during the Constitutional Convention?
What was the primary goal of the Virginia Plan proposed during the Constitutional Convention?
To benefit larger states by basing representation in the legislature on population size.
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the debate over representation in Congress by creating a ______ legislature.
The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the debate over representation in Congress by creating a ______ legislature.
Match each compromise with its main impact:
Match each compromise with its main impact:
Which constitutional principle ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful?
Which constitutional principle ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful?
Federalists generally advocated for a weaker national government and stronger state governments.
Federalists generally advocated for a weaker national government and stronger state governments.
Define the principle of 'limited government'.
Define the principle of 'limited government'.
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect individual rights, are collectively known as the ______.
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect individual rights, are collectively known as the ______.
Which action exemplifies the legislative branch's check on the executive branch?
Which action exemplifies the legislative branch's check on the executive branch?
Flashcards
Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation
The first attempt to establish a unified government for the newly independent United States after the Revolutionary War.
Shays' Rebellion
Shays' Rebellion
A historical event where indebted farmers in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays, rebelled against high state taxes and property foreclosures.
Purpose of the Constitutional Convention
Purpose of the Constitutional Convention
To address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and to create a new, more effective form of government.
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise
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Three-Fifths Compromise
Three-Fifths Compromise
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Limited Government
Limited Government
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Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances
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Federalism
Federalism
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Judicial Review
Judicial Review
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National Supremacy
National Supremacy
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Study Notes
- The Articles of Confederation were the first attempt to establish a national government in the United States.
Problems with the Articles of Confederation
- The national government had a lack of power under the Articles of Confederation.
- Shay's Rebellion highlighted its weaknesses.
US Government Response to Shay's Rebellion
- There wasn't a strong federal military to put it down.
- The state militia had to handle it, while many rebels escaped.
Powers Under the Articles of Confederation
- The national government had limited powers.
- The state governments retained significant authority.
Purpose of the Constitutional Convention
- The goal was to address the problems with the Articles of Confederation.
Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan
- The Virginia Plan benefited large states with representation based on population.
- The New Jersey Plan benefited small states with equal representation.
Constitutional Compromises
- The Great Compromise created the Senate and House of Representatives.
- States would be represented equally or based proportionally by population size.
- The Three-Fifths Compromise counted three-fifths of the enslaved population for representation and taxes.
- The Commerce & Slave Trade Compromise restricted the slave trade until 1808.
- The Fugitive Slave Clause allowed enslavers to return enslaved people that escaped.
Beliefs of Federalists
- Strong central government.
- The Constitution.
Beliefs of Anti-Federalists
- Limited government.
- Individual rights.
Constitutional Principles
- Popular Sovereignty: The people are the source of the government’s power.
- Federalism: Power is divided between national, state, and local governments.
- Separation of Powers: Power is divided between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
- Checks & Balances: A system of safeguards to prevent any one branch from having too much power.
- Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments protect individual rights.
Legislative Branch
- Congress (Senate & House of Representatives).
- Declare War.
- Veto or pass laws.
- Impeach the President & Supreme Court Justices.
- Print and borrow money.
- Write bills.
Executive Branch
- President (Vice President).
- Execute laws & regulations.
- Commander-in-Chief.
- Represent the US in foreign affairs.
- Maintain cabinet of advisors.
Judicial Branch
- Supreme Court.
- Interpret constitutionality (legality) of laws.
- Decide on any case that involves the constitution or laws of the US.
Legislative Branch Checks
- Over the Executive branch.
- Over the Judicial branch.
Executive Branch Checks
- Over the Legislative branch.
- Over the Judicial branch.
Judicial Branch Checks
- Over the Executive branch.
- Over the Legislative branch.
Bill of Rights
- Summarize each of the amendments in the Bill of Rights.
George Washington's Precedents
- List at least four precedents that George Washington set (or attempted to set).
Beliefs of Federalists
- List the main beliefs of the Federalists.
Beliefs of Democratic-Republicans
- List the main beliefs of the Democratic-Republicans.
George Washington's Presidency
- National Bank.
- Foreign Policy/French Revolution.
- The Whiskey Rebellion.
John Adams' Presidency
- The XYZ Affair.
- The Alien and Sedition Acts.
Election of 1800
- Candidates and their political parties.
- Winner.
- Significance.
Thomas Jefferson's Presidency
- Embargo Act of 1807.
- Louisiana Purchase.
War of 1812
- Causes.
War of 1812 - Significance
- Shawnee leader Tecumseh.
- Battle of Fort McHenry.
- The Burning of Washington.
- Battle of New Orleans (Jackson).
War of 1812
- Impacts.
Marbury vs. Madison
- Case established judicial review.
Judicial Review
- Review the court to invalidate a law that conflicts with the constitution.
McCulloch vs. Maryland
- Applied the “necessary and proper” clause.
Necessary and Proper Clause
- Congress possesses powers not explicitly outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
McCulloch vs. Maryland
- Applied National Supremacy.
National Supremacy
- Prevents states from impeding on the federal government's constitutional rights.
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