US History After the Revolution

Study Notes

After the American Revolution, the Continental Congress feared that the rights for which the people fought would be lost.

Shays' Rebellion was a significant event, as it contributed to the decision to hold a Constitutional Convention.

James Madison, well-prepared to guide the convention, was dubbed the "Father of the Constitution".

The Constitutional Convention delegates agreed on a representative government.
The Great Compromise determined the representation in Congress.
Those opposed to the Constitution were concerned about relinquishing state power for a more powerful union.

The US government is a federal system where power is shared between the Federal government and State governments.

The Constitution is structured into sections called articles.
Each state has two senators to ensure the balance of rights for both small and large states.
The primary duty of Congress is to create laws for the nation.
The Executive branch lacks the authority to propose new taxes.
The Supreme Court derives its power from Judicial Review.
States can amend the Constitution with a three-quarters vote.

In 1788, several states required a list of citizens' rights (the Bill of Rights) to ratify the US Constitution.
The objective of the Bill of Rights is to restrict the power of the Federal Government.
The principle of the rule of law dictates that no one is above the law.
Freedom of the Press ensures an informed public.
The First Amendment does not protect property damage during a protest.
Requiring a permit for protests is a violation of the rule of law.

Due to British law, the right to bear arms, the ban on quartering soldiers, and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures were established in the Bill of Rights.