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

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary concern regarding frontier settlers as perceived by the established society?

They were skilled craftsmen and tradespeople.

Their agriculture techniques were primitive.

They lacked proper respect for authority. (correct)

They were primarily composed of women and children.

What did the Ordinance of 1784 establish for the western territories?

A permanent government under British control.

Stages of self-government leading to statehood. (correct)

A single district governed solely by local colonists.

Immediate admission into the Union as full states.

What significant clause was rejected by Congress in the Ordinance of 1784?

A clause that mandated property ownership for settlers.

A clause that would have prohibited slavery. (correct)

A clause that promoted the rights of Indigenous people.

A clause that required district governors to be elected.

Which of the following was a major objective of the Land Ordinances in the 1780s?

To establish law and order and attract better class of settlers. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key characteristic of the regions that were to be governed under the Ordinance of 1784?

They were to be divided into districts initially governed by Congress. Signup and view all the answers

Who served as the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason nationalists desired a stronger federal government?

Congress's inability to repay debts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?

More than half had college educations. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern among the delegates regarding democracy?

It was seen as a threat to national authority. Signup and view all the answers

What document did many delegates feel was insufficient, leading to the need for a new constitution?

The Articles of Confederation Signup and view all the answers

Which prominent American was not present at the Constitutional Convention?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

What age was Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention?

81 Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the economic backgrounds of most delegates at the Constitutional Convention?

Many were wealthy and propertied. Signup and view all the answers

What year was the Articles of Confederation ratified?

1781 Signup and view all the answers

What event is associated with the year 1786?

Shays’s Rebellion Signup and view all the answers

Which document was ratified in 1791?

The Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

What legislation prohibited the slave trade in 1808?

Congress act of 1808 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

Setting up a process for admitting new states Signup and view all the answers

Which battle marked the defeat of Little Turtle?

Battle of Fallen Timbers Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the formation of American constitutions from those of ancient governments?

They were established through reason and liberty. Signup and view all the answers

What were the 'Letters from an American Farmer' about?

Prospects of American identity and citizenship Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of the Anti-Federalists?

The potential threat to individual liberties Signup and view all the answers

What power is emphasized as a unique feature of American governance?

The ability to alter and amend constitutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately represents a belief held by the friends of mankind regarding American governance?

Future changes will eliminate oppression. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of ancient governments does the author criticize?

Their lack of opportunity for self-governance among people. Signup and view all the answers

How is the method of gathering public sentiment in America described?

Systematic and well-understood. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the happiness of social conditions in America?

It is potentially the best in the world. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common issue in ancient public meetings according to the text?

Confusion due to lack of representation. Signup and view all the answers

What hopeful outcome is associated with the American approach to constitutions?

Reduction of oppression over time. Signup and view all the answers

How many newspapers and magazines existed in the United States in 1787?

92 Signup and view all the answers

What did Madison promise to gain support for the new Constitution?

Enactment of a Bill of Rights Signup and view all the answers

How are the number of electors for each state determined?

By adding the number of senators and representatives. Signup and view all the answers

Which state was one of the last to vote against ratification?

North Carolina Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if no presidential candidate received a majority of electoral votes?

The House of Representatives chooses the president from the top three candidates. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of government did Anti-Federalists particularly oppose?

Centralized authority Signup and view all the answers

What was the Bill of Rights composed of?

Ten amendments Signup and view all the answers

Why did the delegates design a system of indirect election for president and vice president?

Because they believed that electors would be more qualified to make decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights is NOT included in the original Constitution?

Right to vote Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by federalism in the context of the Constitution?

A relationship defining the powers of the national government in relation to the states. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Anti-Federalism after the Constitution was ratified?

It influenced future political ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant change the Constitution made compared to the Articles of Confederation?

It greatly strengthened national authority. Signup and view all the answers

After which historical event was equality before the law enshrined?

The Civil War Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers was not granted to Congress by the Constitution?

Create state laws. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Constitution declare as the 'supreme Law of the Land'?

National legislation. Signup and view all the answers

What was one restriction placed on states by the Constitution?

States cannot create their own currency. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 7: Founding a Nation (1783-1789)

1772: Somerset case
1777: Articles of Confederation drafted
1781: Articles of Confederation ratified
1782: Letters from an American Farmer published
1784-1785: Land Ordinances approved
1785: Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia
1786: Shays's Rebellion
1787: Northwest Ordinance of 1787
1787: Constitutional Convention convened
1788: The Federalist
1788: Constitution ratified
1790: Naturalization Act
1791: Bill of Rights ratified
1791: Little Turtle defeats Arthur St. Clair's forces
1794: Little Turtle defeated at Battle of Fallen Timbers
1795: Treaty of Greenville
1808: Congress prohibits the slave trade

America Under the Confederation

Articles of Confederation: Early U.S. government structure
Land Ordinances: Established policies for western land settlement.
Weaknesses of Confederation: Lack of strong central authority and financial resources.
Shays's Rebellion: Uprising of farmers protesting economic hardship.

A New Constitution

Structure of Government: Legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Limits of Democracy: Indirect election of president and Senate.
Separation of Powers: Checks and balances to prevent tyranny.
Debate over Slavery: Significant disagreements among delegates.

Ratification Debate

Federalists: Supporters of the Constitution
Anti-Federalists: Opponents of the Constitution
Constitution ratified: By nine states
Bill of Rights: Added to protect individual liberties.

Western Lands

Control of Western Lands: Congress established rules for settlement.
Land Ordinances (1785 and 1787): Regulated western land sales and settlement.
Northwest Ordinance, 1787: Guidelines for creating new states in the Northwest Territory.
Settlers and Conflicts: Settlers, land companies, and treaties with Natives.

Slavery in the Constitution

Issue of Slavery: Compromises between pro- and anti-slavery delegates.
Fugitive Slave Clause: Required return of runaway slaves
Three-fifths Clause: Slaves counted in population for representation
Prohibition of Slave Trade: Delayed until 1808
Exclusion from the Bill of Rights

National Identity

Defining American Identity: Challenges in establishing collective identity.
Indians in the New Nation: Policies and treatment of Native Americans.
African Americans: Defining citizenship and the status of enslaved and free people.

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Description

Explore the foundational events and documents that shaped the United States from 1783 to 1789. This quiz covers key milestones such as the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the ratification of the Bill of Rights. Test your knowledge on pivotal moments that defined early American governance.