Articles of Confederation & U.S. Constitution

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following issues was NOT a primary concern addressed during the post-Revolutionary period and the Constitutional Convention?

  • The balance of power between the executive branch and the legislature.
  • The regulation of trade between states.
  • The method of representation in the national legislature.
  • The establishment of a national bank to stabilize the economy. (correct)

Shay's Rebellion revealed which critical weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

  • The federal government's inability to suppress domestic uprisings and enforce laws. (correct)
  • The lack of a unified currency and a stable financial system.
  • The federal government's inability to effectively manage interstate commerce disputes.
  • The absence of a process for amending the Articles of Confederation.

What was the primary purpose of the Annapolis Convention, which ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention?

  • To establish a national court system to resolve legal conflicts.
  • To address disputes and trade issues between states, specifically Maryland and Virginia. (correct)
  • To formally declare independence from Great Britain.
  • To draft the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

Which of the following statements best reflects Thomas Jefferson's view on the balance of power between the government and the people, as expressed by his quote about 'the tree of liberty'?

<p>Frequent revolutions are necessary to keep the government accountable to the people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Connecticut Compromise resolve the debate over representation in Congress?

<p>It combined elements of both the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, creating a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in one house and equal representation in the other. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Three-Fifths Compromise during the Constitutional Convention?

<p>It stipulated that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was including a Bill Of Rights essential for the ratification of the Constitution?

<p>It protected individual liberties and rights, addressing the Antifederalists' fears of government overreach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of how the U.S. Constitution embodies the principle of compromise?

<p>Both C and D (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which state was the last to ratify the US constitution?

<p>Rhode Island (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The regulation of trade between states is known as:

<p>Interstate commerce (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Virginia Plan

Representation in Congress should be based on population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan

Each state should have equal representation in Congress, regardless of population size.

Connecticut Compromise

One house based on population (House of Representatives) and one with equal representation (Senate).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for representation and taxation.

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Interstate commerce

Regulation of trade between states by the government.

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Compromise

Agreement reached by conflicting interests in the Constitution debates.

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Tariffs

Taxes on imported goods to regulate trade.

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Shay's Rebellion

A series of protests in 1786 and 1787 by American farmers against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments for debt.

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The US Constitution

The US Constitution was a document based on compromise. No state or delegate got exactly what they wanted, but it was something they could all live with.

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Study Notes

  • Four major issues needing resolution comprised representation, slavery, executive power, and interstate commerce.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

  • The country was in massive debt after the Revolution.
  • Congress could not coin money.
  • Continental and state dollars were worthless.
  • Shay's Rebellion demonstrated the need for a stronger federal government.
  • Revolutionary soldier Daniel Shay led a rebellion against the courts due to heavy tax debt on farms.
  • Shay's Rebellion was suppressed, highlighting the necessity of a stronger federal government to quell rebellions.
  • Thomas Jefferson said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants," advocating for government's fear of the people, not vice versa.

Annapolis Convention

  • A disagreement between Virginia and Maryland led to five states meeting due to the absence of a central government to resolve the dispute.
  • Alexander Hamilton called for a Constitutional Convention, because five states was not enough he wanted more

Constitutional Convention

  • It took place in Philadelphia.
  • All states attended except Rhode Island, which feared a "too strong" federal government.
  • Attendees included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison (the "Father of the Constitution").
  • Each state had one vote.
  • Delegates maintained sworn secrecy to encourage free expression and voting based on conscience.

Key Issues at the Convention

  • Representation in Congress was a central issue.
  • The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on population, favoring larger states.
  • The New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation regardless of population.
  • The Connecticut Compromise established a bicameral legislature with one house based on population and the other with equal representation for each state.

Slavery

  • The question of how to count enslaved people in state populations was contentious.
  • The Three-Fifths Compromise stipulated that three-fifths of the slave population would be added to the total population of free people for representation purposes.
  • The Constitution did not explicitly mention slavery or slaves.
  • The compromise resulted in disproportionate representation for slave states.

Powers of the Executive

  • There was fear of a chief executive becoming too powerful.
  • The election of the executive was delegated to the Electoral College.

Interstate Commerce and Taxation

  • The government was granted the power to regulate interstate commerce.
  • Tariffs and trade policies were not initially included.

Outcomes of the Constitutional Convention

  • Ratification by nine states was required; Delaware was the first to ratify, and New Hampshire was the ninth.
  • Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the Constitution.
  • The Bill of Rights (for individuals) was added later, addressing concerns of many states.
  • The U.S. Constitution was built on the principle of compromise.

Key terms to remember

  • Regulation of trade between states by the government: Interstate commerce.
  • Agreement reached by conflicting interests: Compromise.
  • Taxes on imported goods to regulate trade: Tariffs.

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