Virginia and New Jersey Plans

Questions and Answers

What was the main feature of the Virginia Plan regarding representation?

Representation decided by state legislatures

Representation based on population (correct)

Representation based on land ownership

Equal representation for all states

How were members of the upper house chosen under the Virginia Plan?

Selected by voters directly

Appointed by the president

Elected by state legislatures

Chosen by the lower house (correct)

Which statement accurately describes the New Jersey Plan?

It proposed a bicameral legislature.

It eliminated state legislature involvement in government.

It maintained a one-house legislature with expanded powers. (correct)

It allowed each state to have multiple votes in Congress.

What did the Great Compromise establish regarding the House of Representatives?

It would be proportional to each state's population. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?

The New Jersey Plan allowed for one vote per state. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a feature of the multiperson executive proposed in the New Jersey Plan?

Accountable to the state legislatures Signup and view all the answers

Under the Virginia Plan, who was responsible for executing the laws?

The president chosen by the national legislature Signup and view all the answers

What principle was primarily at stake in the debates over representation at the Constitutional Convention?

Proportional versus equal representation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the powers of the legislature in the New Jersey Plan is correct?

It could regulate commerce. Signup and view all the answers

What principle was articulated in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions?

States have the right to nullify federal laws they find unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

Which individual wrote the Kentucky Resolutions?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the Federalists' decline in popularity by 1800?

Increased taxes for an army without a war. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the view that states could intervene between their citizens and federal laws?

Interposition Signup and view all the answers

Which faction of the Federalist party sought aggressive measures like war with France?

High Federalists Signup and view all the answers

What significant event took place in the election of 1800?

Jefferson and Burr won against a split Federalist party. Signup and view all the answers

What was Hamilton's primary intention regarding the national debt?

To only pay the interest Signup and view all the answers

What concern did southern leaders express regarding Hamilton's financial proposals?

They believed speculators in the north would benefit. Signup and view all the answers

How did Hamilton gain the consent of southern leaders for the assumption of state debts?

By proposing a new national capital site Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of the Antifederalists regarding the new Constitution?

It gave too much power to the national government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main function of the federally chartered bank created as a result of Hamilton's report?

To handle federal deposits and make loans to the government Signup and view all the answers

Which state was the ninth to ratify the Constitution?

New Hampshire Signup and view all the answers

What protective measure did Hamilton propose in his 'Report on Manufactures'?

Charging higher duties on non-American ships Signup and view all the answers

Who emerged as the leader of the political opposition to Hamilton's policies?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

What major issue did the ratified Constitution fail to address at first?

The powers of the executive branch. Signup and view all the answers

What vision of America did Hamilton hold?

A country rich in urban, merchant, and manufacturing interests Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states ratified the Constitution after the government was already in operation?

Rhode Island Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason why the first Congress aimed to propose amendments to the Constitution?

To ensure protection against governmental abuse. Signup and view all the answers

What was not a proposed aspect of Hamilton's economic strategy?

Implementation of strict quotas on imports Signup and view all the answers

In what year was George Washington inaugurated as the first president of the United States?

1789 Signup and view all the answers

What misconception did many original certificate owners have about their certificates?

They considered the certificates to be almost worthless. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Federalists collectively support?

The ratification of the new Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

How did Hamilton's policies eventually influence the formation of political factions?

They led to the emergence of the Federalist and Republican parties. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant omission in the ratified Constitution concerning civil liberties?

The protection of basic civil liberties. Signup and view all the answers

Which two states ratified the Constitution shortly after New Hampshire?

Virginia and New York. Signup and view all the answers

Which process was used to address the omission of civil liberties in the Constitution?

The amendment process. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary intention of the Alien Friends Act?

To allow the expulsion of dangerous foreigners without proof of wrongdoing Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did the Naturalization Act make regarding citizenship?

Extended the naturalization requirement from five to fourteen years Signup and view all the answers

How did the Sedition Act affect political dissent?

Made it a crime to oppose government policies or insult officials Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of Republican newspaper editors during the Sedition Act enforcement?

They became the main targets of the Sedition Act Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence faced by Matthew Lyon under the Sedition Act?

He was imprisoned for criticizing President Adams Signup and view all the answers

Which group was particularly disadvantaged by the Naturalization Act?

Irish immigrants Signup and view all the answers

What did the Alien Enemies Act allow the president to do?

Expel aliens suspected of espionage or sabotage Signup and view all the answers

How did the Federalists use the Sedition Act in 1800?

To suppress opposition to their policies Signup and view all the answers

What was the expiration date set for the Sedition Act and why?

1801, to ensure no opposition during election campaigns Signup and view all the answers

What was a criticism Republicans had about the Alien and Sedition Acts?

They infringed on civil liberties and targeted immigrants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Virginia and New Jersey Plans

The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population.
In this plan, the lower house members would be elected by voters, while upper house members would be selected by the lower house from state-nominated candidates.
There was no provision for direct election of an executive; the president was to be chosen by the legislature and would serve a single term.
The New Jersey Plan, offered by William Paterson, aimed to maintain a unicameral legislature while expanding its powers to raise revenue and regulate commerce.
Each state in the New Jersey Plan received equal representation, with one vote regardless of size, and proposed a multi-person executive chosen by the legislature.

The Great Compromise

The Great Compromise resolved representation disputes by establishing a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation (two senators per state).
This compromise balanced the interests of both large and small states, ensuring both proportional and equal representation.

Ratification and Debates

The Federalists supported the new Constitution, while the Antifederalists opposed it, fearing excessive national power and the absence of a Bill of Rights.
New Hampshire's ratification on June 21, 1788, marked the ninth state needed for the Constitution to take effect, followed by Virginia and New York.
Rhode Island delayed ratification until May 29, 1790, after the government had already commenced operations under the Constitution.

Organizing the Government

George Washington was inaugurated as the first president on April 30, 1789, marking the beginning of a structured federal government.
The Constitution did not protect civil liberties explicitly nor clarify the executive branch structure, which led to ambiguity in governance.

Bill of Rights and Hamilton's Financial Policies

The Bill of Rights emerged from the demand by five states to protect citizens from governmental abuse, leading to the creation of amendments outlining individual rights.
Alexander Hamilton aimed to demonstrate financial viability through managing national debt, which benefited northern speculators while raising concerns in the South.

Establishment of a National Bank

Hamilton proposed a national bank to manage federal funds, facilitate loans, and promote economic stability; it was approved and largely operated under private control.
He supported protective tariffs to encourage American manufacturing, with a focus on benefiting domestic industries.

Political Opposition and Alien and Sedition Acts

Thomas Jefferson emerged as the leading opposition figure against Hamilton's policies, advocating for agrarian interests versus Hamilton's vision of urban and commercial growth.
The Alien and Sedition Acts, enacted in 1798, targeted immigrants and restricted political dissent, with measures allowing for the expulsion of dangerous aliens and criminalizing opposition to government policies.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

In response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, Jefferson and Madison drafted the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, asserting that states could challenge unconstitutional federal laws.
These resolutions introduced the concepts of interposition (states protecting citizens' rights) and nullification (states canceling federal laws), which echoed later in the states' rights debates.

The Election of 1800

Jefferson ran against John Adams in a divided Federalist party, ultimately winning due to public desire to avoid war with France and dissatisfaction with increased taxes for military expenses.
The election marked a significant power shift, illustrating early American political divisions and the emergence of strong party lines.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the foundational debates of the United States Constitution, focusing on the Virginia and New Jersey plans. Understand the key proposals and the differing views on representation and legislature structure during this pivotal time in American history.