U.S. Government Formation in the 1780s

Questions and Answers

Which statement about the northern states in the 1780s is accurate?

They generally had less enslaved labor than the southern states. (correct)

They had very large farms called plantations.

Their economy was based on agriculture.

They had far fewer large cities than the southern states.

In what part of the Great Compromise are the ideas of the Virginia Plan represented?

The Office of the President

The Senate

The House of Representatives (correct)

The Unicameral Legislature

Why did the state delegates meet in 1787?

To discuss a better system of government

The New Jersey Plan supported the idea of:

Equal representation Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary way that the economy in the South differed from the economy of the North?

The farms of the South raised agricultural products Signup and view all the answers

What is the best definition of bicameral?

A government made up of two parts or houses Signup and view all the answers

How did the Great Compromise resolve the dispute about representation?

It created balance by blending the Virginia and New Jersey plans. Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution was a result of multiple:

Compromises Signup and view all the answers

Once the delegates determined the Three-Fifths Compromise, what issue did they tackle next?

The presidential process Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise involve so much debate and discussion?

Each state was looking out for its personal interests and needs Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Virginia Plan is accurate?

It inspired the creation of the New Jersey Plan Signup and view all the answers

Why were delegates working to replace the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles created a central government that was too weak Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the delegates at the Constitutional Convention is accurate?

The delegates considered each one of their states to be independent Signup and view all the answers

The act of formally approving something is known as:

Ratification Signup and view all the answers

According to the 1790 census, where did enslaved people live within the United States?

In every single state Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Northern States in the 1780s

Northern economies were primarily agricultural with fewer large cities compared to the South.
The northern states had less reliance on enslaved labor relative to southern counterparts.

Great Compromise and Representation

The Great Compromise merged the Virginia and New Jersey plans, creating a bicameral legislature.
Representation in the House of Representatives was based on population, reflecting the Virginia Plan.

Purpose of the 1787 Meeting

Delegates convened in 1787 to discuss improvements to the government rather than to elect a president or write the Articles of Confederation.

New Jersey Plan

The New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation for states regardless of size, contrasting with the Virginia Plan.

Economic Differences Between North and South

Southern farms relied heavily on enslaved labor, while northern economies were more diversified and included factories.

Bicameral Definition

Bicameral refers to a legislative body that consists of two separate chambers or houses.

Resolution of Disputes

The Great Compromise resolved debates on representation by combining elements from both the Virginia and New Jersey plans.

Compromise Nature of the Constitution

The Constitution emerged from numerous compromises among the states, addressing their differing interests and needs.

Post-Three-Fifths Compromise Discussions

After the Three-Fifths Compromise, delegates focused on the presidential election process.

Reasons for Debate on Compromises

Intense debates arose because each state had unique interests, creating conflicts over representation and governance.

Virginia Plan Accuracy

The Virginia Plan proposed a strong national government with a bicameral legislature, prioritizing larger states' interests.

Issues with the Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation established an overly weak central government, prompting the need for replacement.

Delegates at the Constitutional Convention

Delegates represented diverse regional interests and often disagreed on necessary governmental changes while viewing their states as independent.

Ratification

Ratification is the formal approval process for legislation or treaties, essential for the Constitution’s acceptance.

Enslaved Population Distribution

The 1790 census revealed that enslaved individuals resided in every state, although they were concentrated in the southern states.

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Description

Explore the key elements of U.S. government formation during the 1780s, including the economic distinctions between northern and southern states. Learn about the Great Compromise, the New Jersey Plan, and the purpose of the 1787 constitutional meeting. This quiz examines crucial events that shaped the early governance of the United States.