U.S. History: Articles of Confederation and Beyond

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Questions and Answers

What year was the Articles of Confederation ratified?

1790

1777

1785

1781 (correct)

Which event directly followed Shays's Rebellion?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

The Naturalization Act

The Constitutional Convention (correct)

The drafting of the Bill of Rights

What does the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 pertain to?

Regulation of international trade

The abolition of slavery

Formation of new states from the Northwest Territory (correct)

Establishment of the Executive Branch

Which document included a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution?

The Federalist Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary concern of the Anti-Federalists during the ratification debate?

The lack of a bill of rights Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Congress take in 1808 regarding slavery?

Prohibited the importation of slaves Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Land Ordinances approved between 1784 and 1785?

To organize land sales and settlement Signup and view all the answers

Which battle did Little Turtle lead before his eventual defeat?

Battle of Fallen Timbers Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant achievement of the Confederation government?

Devising rules for the settlement of western lands Signup and view all the answers

What issue delayed the ratification of the Articles of Confederation?

Disputes over western land claims Signup and view all the answers

What was the position taken by Congress regarding Indian lands after independence?

Indians forfeited their rights by aiding the British Signup and view all the answers

Which tribes were involved in treaties with Congress concerning land surrenders?

Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw Signup and view all the answers

How many Indians inhabited the western region acknowledged by Congress?

100,000 Signup and view all the answers

Why did land-rich states cede their western land claims?

In the interest of national unity Signup and view all the answers

What conflicting pressures did the Confederation government face regarding western land?

Access for farmers versus the rights of Native Americans Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately led to the national control of western territory?

Large surrenders of land through treaties with Indian tribes Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention held in May 1787?

To draft a new constitution for the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Which notable figures were absent from the Constitutional Convention?

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams Signup and view all the answers

How did the social and economic status of most delegates at the Constitutional Convention influence their decisions?

It reinforced their common belief in the need to strengthen national authority. Signup and view all the answers

What was James Madison's role during the deliberations of the Constitutional Convention?

He took careful notes of the discussions. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that led nationalists to desire a stronger federal government?

The inability to raise funds for military conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the debate during the Constitutional Convention held in private?

To ensure free and candid discussions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the delegates’ educational background?

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

What significant consequence did John Adams believe the Constitutional Convention would have?

It would impact liberty throughout the world. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of divided sovereignty refer to?

The distribution of government authority between national and state governments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the system of checks and balances outlined in the Constitution?

To prevent any branch of government from overpowering the others Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism allows Congress to override a presidential veto?

A two-thirds majority vote Signup and view all the answers

How are federal judges appointed to ensure their independence?

They are nominated by the president and confirmed by Congress for life Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to a president for high crimes and misdemeanors?

They can be impeached by the House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

Which group within the Constitutional Convention was particularly divided over the issue of slavery?

The slaveholders and abolition advocates Signup and view all the answers

What statement best describes the relationship between national and state governments?

There is a continuous debate over their balance of power Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for the president to effectively check the power of Congress?

Veto legislation passed by Congress Signup and view all the answers

What did the Anti-Federalists emphasize as vital to their vision of government?

Local, democratic institutions Signup and view all the answers

Which right did Anti-Federalists argue was not protected by the Constitution?

Trial by jury Signup and view all the answers

What was Patrick Henry's view of the absence of a Bill of Rights?

It was the most absurd thing ever seen Signup and view all the answers

What event did the Grand Federal Procession of 1788 celebrate?

The ratification of the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

How did David Ramsay describe representative legislatures?

As miniature pictures of the community they represent Signup and view all the answers

What was a common criticism of adopting the proposed Constitution among Anti-Federalists?

It would lead to a loss of self-governance Signup and view all the answers

What did James Lincoln of South Carolina question about Liberty?

If self-governance was maintained under the new Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the sentiments of the Anti-Federalists during the ratification debates?

They expressed concerns over individual liberties being compromised. Signup and view all the answers

What did the fugitive slave clause ensure regarding escaped slaves?

The condition of bondage followed escaped slaves to other states. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Somerset case of 1772?

It emphasized the principle that the air of England could not support slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What power did the Constitution give to the national government regarding slavery?

No power to interfere with slavery in the states. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the three-fifths clause have on the representation of the white South in national affairs?

It allowed the South to have greater power than its free population warranted. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes John Jay's sentiments about America?

He felt trapped in Spain and longed for the 'free air' of America. Signup and view all the answers

How did the slave importation to South Carolina and Georgia compare to the overall importation in North America after 1700?

It represented more than one-quarter of all imports. Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma did slaves face regarding their freedom in America?

They had no legal protection against being captured. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the constitutional status of slavery in the United States?

States were obligated to help maintain the institution of slavery. 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
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 published, Constitution ratified
1790: Naturalization Act
1791: Bill of Rights ratified
1794: Little Turtle defeated at Battle of Fallen Timbers
1795: Treaty of Greenville
1808: Congress prohibits the slave trade

America Under Confederation

Articles of Confederation: First attempt at a national government
Weaknesses: Lack of a strong central government, absence of executive and judicial branches, inability to tax, inability to regulate commerce.
Nationalists (1780s): Individuals who supported a stronger national government.
Shay's Rebellion: Uprising of farmers in Massachusetts over economic debts; highlighted the weaknesses of Confederation.

A New Constitution

Structure of Government: Created a three-branch government: legislative, executive, and judicial.
The Limits of Democracy: Some officials were indirectly chosen such as state legislatures appointing Senators, rather than direct election by the people.
Division and Separation of Powers: Federalism and "checks and balances" to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.
Debate Over Slavery: Compromises established, such as delaying action on the slave trade (prohibited later, in 1808), and the three-fifths clause.

Western Lands

Land Ordinances and Northwest Ordinance: Established process for governing western lands and selling western lands. (1784, 1785, 1787)

Ratification Debate and Bill of Rights

Federalists: Supporters of the new Constitution.
Anti-Federalists: Opponents of the new Constitution, who feared a strong central government and lacked coherent leadership.
Bill of Rights: First ten amendments to the Constitution, meant to address Anti-Federalist concerns about individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government. Include freedom of speech, press, and religion.

National Identity

Defining Americans: Included some complexities regarding who was considered American. Native Americans and African Americans were excluded from the initial understanding of American citizenship.

Slavery in the Constitution

Compromises: Constitution included clauses protecting slavery despite some delegates opposing it. These clauses, like the fugitive slave clause, and the delay on federal interference with the slave trade (later abolished in 1808).

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Description

Test your knowledge on important historical events surrounding the Articles of Confederation and the early years of the United States. This quiz covers critical topics, including Shays's Rebellion, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, and the debates over the ratification of the Constitution. Challenge yourself to recall key facts and figures from this formative period in American history.