Questions and Answers
In what ways did the Articles of Confederation fail?
The Articles of Confederation failed because they left too much power with the states, had no power to levy or collect taxes, no power to regulate trade, no power to enforce laws, and lacked an executive branch and a national court system.
How and why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights was added because many Americans felt that a strong national government could take away people's rights. It was added through amendments to the Constitution.
What is a Confederation?
A Confederation is an alliance where different powers are granted to state governments or national governments depending on the situation.
What is a Township?
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What is the Legislative Branch?
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What is the Executive Branch?
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What is the Judicial Branch?
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What are Checks and Balances?
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What does Ratification mean?
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Who are Federalists?
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Who are Anti-Federalists?
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Who was Daniel Shays?
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Who was James Madison?
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Who was Roger Sherman?
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Who was Alexander Hamilton?
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Who was John Jay?
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Who was Patrick Henry?
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What were the Articles of Confederation?
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Study Notes
Articles of Confederation
- Failed to provide the federal government with power to levy taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws.
- Lacked an executive branch and national court system; required consent from all states for amendments and 9 of 13 states for laws, complicating governance.
- Federal government powers included conducting war, sending ambassadors, entering treaties, maintaining a navy, and establishing post offices.
Bill of Rights
- Comprises 10 Constitutional Amendments protecting individual freedoms and state rights.
- Added to address concerns about a strong national government infringing on personal rights; initiated as amendments proposed by Congress.
Government Branches
- Legislative Branch: Responsible for making laws.
- Executive Branch: Enforces laws; led by the president.
- Judicial Branch: Interprets laws and the Constitution.
Checks and Balances
- System designed to prevent any one branch of the U.S. government from overpowering the others.
Ratification
- Process of official approval of the Constitution or its amendments by the states.
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
- Federalists: Advocated for the Constitution and a strong national government.
- Anti-Federalists: Opposed ratifying the Constitution, fearing central authority would undermine individual and state rights.
Key Figures
- Daniel Shays: Revolutionary soldier who led Shays's Rebellion against debt and tax policies in Massachusetts (1786-1787).
- James Madison: Virginia delegate who proposed the Virginia Plan for a bicameral legislature, with representation based on population.
- Roger Sherman: Connecticut leader who proposed the Great Compromise, balancing representation in the Senate and House based on state population.
- Alexander Hamilton: Federalist leader at the Constitutional Convention, first Secretary of the Treasury.
- John Jay: Co-author of the Federalist Papers advocating for a strong federal government.
- Patrick Henry: Prominent orator and leader against British rule during the American Revolution.
Confederation
- A system where powers are divided between state and national governments, represented as an alliance.
Township
- A division within a country that possesses some corporate powers.
Articles of Confederation
- The governing document ratified in 1781 that established the first national government of the United States.
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Description
Explore the key failures of the Articles of Confederation in this quiz. Learn how the lack of federal power and the absence of a national court system contributed to its downfall. Test your understanding of these historical concepts through engaging flashcards.