Early American Government Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What prompted the creation of new local governments in the colonies?

  • The need for economic reform
  • Influence of European political ideas
  • The war with Britain (correct)
  • Desire for independence from foreign powers

How many state constitutions were created by the thirteen states?

  • Twelve
  • Fifteen
  • Thirteen (correct)
  • Ten

What common feature was included in most state constitutions?

  • An electoral college
  • A provision for a monarchy
  • Restrictions on religious freedom
  • A bill of rights (correct)

Which of the following was NOT a reason for the creation of new constitutions in the states?

<p>Defining state boundaries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of freedoms were primarily guaranteed by the bills of rights in state constitutions?

<p>Basic civil freedoms (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation regarding representation in Congress?

<p>Each state had only one vote in Congress, regardless of its size. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which critical function was missing from the Confederation government?

<p>The power to tax people. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and called for a stronger national government?

<p>Shays' Rebellion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

<p>To provide a blueprint for the first national government (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What power did the Confederation government possess regarding land management?

<p>The power to settle and organize the Northwest territories. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which entity was established by the Articles of Confederation?

<p>Confederation Congress (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was an essential feature that the Articles of Confederation lacked?

<p>An executive branch to enforce laws passed by Congress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Ordinance of 1785 accomplish?

<p>It surveyed western lands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was outlined by the Northwest Ordinance?

<p>The territory's admission into the United States (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the legislative authority of the Confederation Congress?

<p>It passed key laws including ordinances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sparked Shay's Rebellion?

<p>Opposition to state economic policies leading to poverty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was a prominent leader of Shay's Rebellion?

<p>Daniel Shays (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of actions characterized Shay's Rebellion?

<p>Violent attacks on government properties (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Shay's Rebellion begin?

<p>1786 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary demographic of the rebels in Shay's Rebellion?

<p>Former Revolutionary War soldiers who became farmers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?

<p>To revise the Articles of Confederation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a unique aspect of the discussions during the Constitutional Convention?

<p>They were kept secret from the public (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many delegates attended the Constitutional Convention?

<p>Fifty-five delegates (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which city did the Constitutional Convention take place?

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

Which document was the focus of revision at the Constitutional Convention?

<p>The Articles of Confederation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year did the delegates meet in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention?

<p>1787 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many delegates participated in the Constitutional Convention?

<p>55 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

<p>To revise the Articles of Confederation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the discussions during the Constitutional Convention?

<p>The discussions were kept a secret (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome resulted from the discussions at the Constitutional Convention?

<p>The writing of a new constitution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common experience among the delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence?

<p>They had experience in colonial and state government. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many delegates had served in the Continental Congress?

<p>44 delegates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following delegates participated in the American Revolution?

<p>Virtually every delegate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which delegate was the youngest at the time of signing?

<p>Jonathan Dayton (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two delegates later became presidents of the United States?

<p>George Washington and James Madison (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the key compromise in the Constitution related to Congress?

<p>A two-house congress was formed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue arose concerning the counting of enslaved people in the Constitution?

<p>How many representatives each state should have. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a compromise reached regarding the election of the president?

<p>The president would be elected through an electoral college system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a critical issue addressed through compromise relating to Congress's powers?

<p>Congress received the authority to levy taxes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

James Madison's influence on the U.S. Constitution primarily involved which of the following?

<p>Drafting compromises to resolve key issues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Federalists primarily support?

<p>A strong central government (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a key concern of the Anti-Federalists?

<p>The necessity of a Bill of Rights (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the promise of a Bill of Rights play in the Constitution's ratification?

<p>It was a major compromise for Federalists (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups favored opposition to the Constitution?

<p>Anti-Federalists (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic was emphasized by Anti-Federalists in their arguments?

<p>The safeguarding of individual liberties (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

State Constitutions

Documents created by the states to establish their own local governments.

War with Britain

Conflict that made local governments necessary.

State Governments

Local governments established by the states.

Thirteen states

The number of original colonies that formed new states after the war.

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Bill of Rights

A list of basic freedoms.

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Articles of Confederation

First government plan for the United States

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Confederation Congress

Legislative body created by the Articles of Confederation to make laws

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Ordinance of 1785

Law that surveyed western lands

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Northwest Ordinance

Outlined how new territories joined the US

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Articles of Confederation - Weakness 1

Each state had only one vote in Congress, regardless of population size.

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Articles of Confederation - Weakness 2

No executive branch to enforce laws.

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Articles of Confederation - Weakness 3

No power to tax.

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Shays' Rebellion

A rebellion caused by the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

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Northwest Territory

Region settled and organized by the Confederation government.

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Shay's Rebellion

A series of attacks on Massachusetts courthouses in the 1780s.

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Farmers in Massachusetts

Former Revolutionary War soldiers who turned to farming but faced poverty and property loss.

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Daniel Shays

Leader of the rebellion, a former soldier known for fighting at Bunker Hill.

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Economic policies

State policies that contributed to poverty and property seizures in MA.

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Courthouses

Buildings targeted during Shay's Rebellion; centers of local government.

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Constitutional Convention

A meeting of delegates to revise the Articles of Confederation, ending up writing a new Constitution instead.

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Delegates

Representatives from 12 states.

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Secret Discussions

The Constitutional Convention's proceedings were kept private.

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New Constitution

The document created to replace the Articles of Confederation.

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1787

The year the Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia.

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Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, later replaced by the Constitution.

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Constitutional Convention

A meeting of delegates from 12 states in 1787 to rewrite the US government.

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Secret discussions

The delegates kept their conversations hidden from the public.

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1787

The year the Constitutional Convention took place.

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Philadelphia

City where the Constitutional Convention was held.

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New Constitution

The document written at the Constitutional Convention to replace the Articles of Confederation.

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Articles of Confederation

Previous framework for the government before the Constitutional Convention

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Delegate Backgrounds

The 55 delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence had diverse experiences ranging from government service to military involvement.

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Government Experience

Most delegates had experience in colonial or state government.

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Declaration Signers

8 of the delegates had signed the Declaration of Independence.

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Continental Congress Members

44 delegates were members of the Continental Congress.

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Revolution Participation

Almost all the delegates were involved in the American Revolution.

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Military Service

At least 29 delegates served in the military.

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Future Presidents

George Washington and James Madison later became Presidents.

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Delegate Age Range

The delegates ranged in age from 26 to 81.

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Federalists

Favored a strong central government and supported the Constitution.

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Anti-Federalists

Prioritized individual rights and state power, opposing the Constitution.

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Constitution

The foundational document establishing the U.S. government.

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Bill of Rights

Protects individual liberties in the U.S. Constitution.

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Two-house Congress

The U.S. Congress is divided into two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This structure resulted from a compromise during the Constitutional Convention.

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Enslaved People in Congress

The issue of how to count enslaved people for representation in the House of Representatives caused contentious debates and compromises during the drafting of the Constitution.

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Congressional Powers Compromise

The Constitution established certain powers for Congress and placed limits to prevent abuse of power. This was a compromise to balance state and federal authority

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Presidential Election Compromise

The Constitution established a system for electing the president that combines elements of popular vote and a vote by electors. This also resulted from debates and compromises.

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