History Chapter 7: Founding a Nation (1783-1789)

The Land Ordinances were a series of laws passed by the Confederation Congress in the 1780s to regulate the sale and settlement of western lands. These laws established a system for dividing the land into townships and selling it to settlers, as well as outlining the process for creating new states in the West.

The Ordinance of 1784, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, established a system for the westward expansion of the United States. It outlined how territories would be governed initially by Congress and eventually admitted to the Union as states.

The Confederation government faced several major challenges, including a weak central authority struggling to enforce laws, economic problems like a declining currency and debt, and tensions with other nations due to unaddressed issues from the Revolution.

The desire to attract higher quality settlers to the West and prevent conflict between established areas and the frontier led to the development of the Land Ordinances. The goal was to create a more orderly and controlled process for westward expansion.

Despite its focus on controlled westward expansion, the Land Ordinances also reflected a complex social context. The debate surrounding slavery in the territories highlighted the conflicting views on whether slavery should be allowed to expand westward.

A set of laws that established a weak central government, giving most power to individual states.

A series of laws that outlined how land would be organized and settled in the Northwest Territory, emphasizing public education and preventing slavery.

A rebellion led by Daniel Shays in Massachusetts, protesting high taxes and economic hardship, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

A gathering of delegates from 12 of the 13 states (Rhode Island didn't participate) to revise the Articles of Confederation, ultimately leading to the creation of the United States Constitution.

A series of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, arguing for the ratification of the Constitution, emphasizing the need for a strong national government.

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

A political debate over the extent of federal power and the division of powers between the national government and the states, defining the balance of power.

A legal document that established procedures for immigrants to become U.S. citizens.

The gathering of fifty-five prominent Americans in 1787 to draft a new constitution for the United States, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

A delegate to the Constitutional Convention, known for his role in drafting the Virginia Declaration of Rights, a key precursor to the Bill of Rights.

A delegate to the Constitutional Convention, renowned for his wisdom and diplomatic skills, known for his role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris and his immense contribution to the drafting of the US Constitution.

A key delegate to the Constitutional Convention, known for his leadership and strong advocacy for a strong central government, later becoming the first President of the United States.

A delegate to the Constitutional Convention, known for his influential writings and strong advocacy for a strong national government, later playing a key role in the development of the US financial system.

The system of governance established by the US Constitution, designed to distribute and separate powers among different branches of government.

The process of deliberating and formulating the US Constitution involved discussions and debates, reflecting the diverse opinions and ideas of the delegates.

The ability of individuals to participate in government through representatives they elect.

A structured system of laws and procedures that govern a country or state.

The ability to change and improve a constitution over time to reflect changing needs and values.

The principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

The opportunity to choose the type of government under which you want to live.

The belief that people can govern themselves effectively and justly.

The process of gathering and expressing the will of the people, often through assemblies or elections.

The ability to learn and adapt from experience, applying new insights to improve political systems.

A system where the president and vice president are not directly elected by voters, but through an indirect process of electors.

Each state's number of electors is determined by adding its number of senators (always 2) and representatives, which varies based on population.

The practice where the president and vice president are chosen separately, offering a system of checks and balances. However, this system had potential for confusion, as the second-place president candidate became the vice president in the initial system.

The principle that the US government is divided into levels - the national government and the states - each with its own powers.

The principle that the government's power is divided into three branches: the legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Courts).

A system where each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The Constitution grants the president the authority to enforce laws and command the military, highlighting the increased power of the national government compared to the Articles of Confederation.

Congress can levy taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, declare war, manage foreign affairs, and promote the general welfare, showcasing the significant expansion of the national government's power.

The ratification of the Constitution was a monumental event in U.S. history. It marked the transition from a confederation of states to a single, unified nation.

Anti-Federalists were a group of people who opposed the ratification of the Constitution. They argued that a strong central government threatened individual liberties and state autonomy.

One of the key factors contributing to the Constitution's success was the promise of a Bill of Rights. This promise addressed concerns about the government's possible infringement on individual freedoms.

The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments safeguard fundamental individual liberties like freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protection against unjust legal procedures.

Anti-Federalist arguments, even though not fully realized initially, influenced the development of American political culture and contributed to the inclusion of crucial amendments like the Bill of Rights, demonstrating the vital role of dissent in shaping a nation's ideals.

The Fourteenth Amendment was pivotal in guaranteeing equal protection under the law, applying the principle of equal rights across the nation. It expanded civil rights to include all citizens.

The Constitution initially lacked the Bill of Rights, which later became a cornerstone of American civic life, safeguarding individual liberties and ensuring fairness in legal practices.

The ratification process wasn't smooth sailing; it was marked by significant resistance in certain states. The strong dissent reflected the different views and concerns about the new government.