Unit 3, Part 2: 13 Colonies and Articles of Confederation

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution?

It failed to include a system for checks and balances.

It gave too much power to the national government. (correct)

It did not create a strong enough national government.

It did not address issues related to interstate commerce.

Which member of Washington's cabinet was responsible for foreign affairs?

Henry Knox

Thomas Jefferson (correct)

Alexander Hamilton

Edmund Randolph

What was one of Alexander Hamilton's key components of his economic plan?

Reduce tariffs on imports.

Advocate for state-funded military.

Create a national bank. (correct)

Eliminate all federal taxes.

What did the Federalists believe was the best way to protect individual rights?

Through elected representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Jay Treaty signed in 1794?

Britain agreed to evacuate its posts in the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects Jefferson's perspective on the national bank?

It provided too much power to the federal government. Signup and view all the answers

During Washington's presidency, which of the following was a significant foreign conflict?

The French Revolution Signup and view all the answers

The Proclamation of Neutrality issued in 1793 was primarily due to what concern?

Insufficient military strength to engage in European conflicts. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant outcomes of the Pinckney Treaty?

It opened the lower Mississippi River and New Orleans to trade. Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the first use of armed force by the federal government to assert its authority?

Whiskey Rebellion Signup and view all the answers

What did the Alien and Sedition Acts primarily target?

Free speech concerning the government. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant accomplishment of the US under the Articles of Confederation?

Independence and the Land Ordinance of 1785 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a limitation of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

Could collect taxes Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Treaty of Greenville?

To allow US settlement in Ohio following Native American surrender. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was predominantly responsible for drafting the US Constitution?

College-educated white men with legal backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

Which principle established by Washington's farewell address discouraged the formation of permanent alliances?

Neutrality in European affairs is crucial. Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct consequence of the XYZ Affair?

A strong desire among Americans for war against France. Signup and view all the answers

What principle was established to prevent tyranny in the newly-formed government?

Separation of powers Signup and view all the answers

Who were the key figures associated with the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions?

Madison and Jefferson. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Shay's Rebellion play in the formation of the US Constitution?

It highlighted the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Federalists in passing the Alien and Sedition Acts?

They were primarily interested in curbing opposition from the Democratic-Republicans. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights was included in the list of rights protecting basic freedoms?

The right to a jury trial Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the voting rights during the era of the Articles of Confederation?

Voting was restricted to white males who owned property. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for the lack of respect that Europe had for the US under the Articles of Confederation?

The US could not enforce international treaties. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 3, Part 2 Study: 13 Colonies/States

13 colonies became 13 independently governed states with constitutions
List of rights protecting basic rights and freedoms (e.g. religious freedoms, jury trial); these rights were listed in a bill or declaration.
Separation of Powers: typically involves three branches of government
- Legislative Branch: elected two-house legislature
- Executive Branch: elected governors
- Judicial Branch: courts
Voting and office-holding rights limited to white males who owned property

Articles of Confederation

First US Constitution (1777, 1781)
Written by John Dickinson
State governments held more power than the central government
Structure of Government
- Each state had one vote
- 9 out of 13 states needed to agree to pass a law; all 13 needed to agree to amend the Articles.
- No judicial or executive branch
Powers: Wage war, make treaties, borrow money, but lacked the ability to regulate commerce, collect taxes, or enforce laws.

US Under the Articles (1781-1789)

Accomplishments:
- Independence was achieved
- Land Ordinance of 1785
- Public education in townships (1/36 for public education)
- Northwest Ordinance of 1787
  - Rules for establishing new states
  - Limited self-governing opportunities for developing territories
  - No slavery
Weaknesses:
- Lack of respect from other nations
- Inability to enforce the Treaty of Paris (e.g. Britain kept military outposts)
- Restrictions on trade
- Economic problems:
  - No dependable source of money
  - Unpaid debt
  - Economic depression (including inflation)

Internal Conflicts

13 states were often rivals
Tariffs and trade restrictions caused disputes
Boundary disputes
Shay's Rebellion:
- Massachusetts farmers revolted due to economic conditions
- Rebellion was put down by the state militia
- Revealed the weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.
Annapolis Convention (1786) and Constitutional Convention (1787):
- Delegates met to discuss the issues with the national government
The delegates were primarily white, college-educated men
- George Washington was elected chairperson
- Important delegates included Ben Franklin, James Madison, and John Dickinson
- Key figures missing included John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Thomas Paine, and Sam Adams
- Patrick Henry refused to participate

Beliefs about Government

Federalists believed that a weak confederation of states would not work
- Favored federalism, a system that separated powers between state and national governments
- Separation of powers to prevent tyranny
- Checks and balances to prevent tyranny
- Pro-ratification of the Constitution
Anti-Federalists were concerned about the amount of power given to the national government
- Concerned that the states would become too weak
- Warned of potential overreach of the president
- Desired a Bill of Rights
- Against ratification of the Constitution

Power of the Federal and State Governments

Power is divided between the federal and state governments
Federal Government
- Regulates issues that impact the entire country (e.g. interstate commerce, national defense, foreign affairs)
State Governments
- Regulates matters related to the individual state (e.g. schools, local elections)

Washington's Cabinet (Executive Branch)

Members included:
- Thomas Jefferson: Secretary of State
- Henry Knox: Secretary of War
- Alexander Hamilton: Secretary of the Treasury
- Edmund Randolph : Attorney General

Judicial Branch: Supreme Court

Judicial Act of 1789 established the Supreme Court
Supreme Court comprised a chief justice and 5 associate justices.

Economic Plan (Alexander Hamilton)

Pay off national debt
Protect infant industries through tariffs
Create a national bank
Issue paper money
Handle taxes

Jefferson's Viewpoint on Hamilton's Plan

Feared that the federal government would gain too much power
Found the national bank unconstitutional
Believed in the "necessary and proper" clause.

Foreign Affairs: French Revolution

1793: France declared war on other European powers
Federalists supported Britain.
Anti-Federalists supported France.
Proclamation of Neutrality (1793): The US declared neutrality in the war.

Treaties

Jay Treaty (1794): Agreement with Britain to resolve issues like impressment of American sailors.
Pinckney Treaty (1795): Agreement with Spain regarding navigation rights on the Mississippi River.

Northwest Confederacy

Shawnee, Iroquois, Delaware Native Americans
Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794)
Treaty of Greenville: Tribes surrendered territory in Ohio

Whiskey Rebellion

Excise tax on manufactured goods
Parties resisted the tax.
First use of an armed force against domestic opposition

Party Origins

1789: Unanimous vote for George Washington
No national political parties at the beginning

Two-Term Tradition

No constitutional limit on terms
Presidents set the precedent for voluntary retirement

Farewell Address:

Warned against involvement in European affairs
Advised against forming permanent alliances
Caution against forming political parties

XYZ Affair

France seized American merchant ships
US delegates tried to resolve the issue by negotiating
French agents demanded bribes that led to a diplomatic crisis
US remained neutral.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Federalists were angry with France and the Democratic-Republican party
Acts were intended to limit immigrant voters
Various acts restricted citizenship process, deportation, and freedom of the press.

Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams

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Description

Explore the transition from the 13 colonies to independently governed states and the establishment of the Articles of Confederation. This quiz covers key concepts such as separation of powers, voting rights, and the structure of government in the early United States. Test your understanding of these foundational elements of American history.