Birth of a Nation (Unit III) Flashcards
What was the problem with large states vs. small states?
- not so much the land, but the pop.
- issue = power
List the 12 problems facing America after the Revolutionary War
- Huge debt
- fight for power between national govt. & state govt.
- large vs. small states
- fight over Western lands
- different states have different money (currency)
- conflicts w/ GB & Spain
- conflicts w/ Native Americans
- economic wars between the states
- slavery
- Loyalists issues
- lack of manufacturing base
- common man vs. elite
What was the problem with the fight over Western lands?
states thought they were gonna expand so there were arguments over who should get what land
What was the problem with different states having different money (currency)?
- slows/hurts trading
- All this different money was floating around & no one knew what it was worth
What was the problem with conflicts w/ GB & Spain?
- GB refuse to give up their forts in the West
- Spain controlled New Orleans & blocked off the Mississippi River from Americans
What was the problem with conflicts w/ Native Americans?
GB & Spain were supplying Native Americans w/ weapons (guns)
What was the problem with economic wars between the states?
- states were taxing each other’s trade (goods) & this would limit trade
- this was hurting the economy
What was the problem with slavery?
- divided America
- north vs. south
What were loyalists?
Colonists that wanted to remain with GB
What did many loyalists do?
Moved to Canada (which was a British colony)
What did the loyalists have issues with?
-treatment
**were not treated well by colonists, not well liked
compensation
-were supposed to be paid back but not happening BC of huge debt & dislike from colonists towards them
What was the problem with a lack of a manufacturing base?
Lacking industry
What was the problem with the common man vs. elite?
- elite = upper class
- social differences
- problems w/ power in govt.
What is the elite?
Upper class
What was created at the 2nd continental congress?
The AOC
What is the AOC?
loose union of the 13 states that ruled from 1781-1789 (the 1st govt.)
Did the AOC work?
No it failed
What could the AOC (national govt.) do? (what powers did it have)
- declare war
- make peace
- borrow money
- set value of money
create national currency - settle disputes between the states
- conduct foreign relations
- create an army/navy
- pass laws
- could change the AOC
How did the AOC set a value of money?
Created a national currency
Under the AOC, what was required to pass laws?
a 9/13 vote
How could the AOC be changed (amended) under the AOC?
required ALL 13 states to agree
What were the weaknesses/problems with the AOC?
- 9/13 votes needed to pass law
- No power to tax
- All states needed to fix (change) AOC
- delegates (reps) in AOC were there for 1 yr
- delegates are appointed by state legislatures
- one vote per state
- AOC has one branch = Congress = legislature
- no power to regulate commerce (trade)
- no power to draft troops
What was the weakness/problem with 9/13 votes needed to pass laws?
- too difficult
- today –> majority
What was the weakness/problem with no power to tax?
national govt. (AOC) had to ask the states for money
What was the weakness/problem with all states needed to fix (change) AOC?
It was basically impossible
What was the weakness/problem with delegates (reps) in AOC being in there for 1 yr?
not enough time to learn/experience/improve govt
What was the weakness/problem with delegates being appointed by state legislatures?
people did not get to elect their leaders in AOC
What was the weakness/problem with one vote per state?
- hurt the large states
- they had larger populations
- was an issue of power
- more reps = more power
What was the weakness/problem with the AOC having one branch = Congress = legislature?
- no division of power / no checks & balances
- no executive = no leadership
What was the weakness/problem with no power to regulate commerce (trade)?
problems among states
What was the weakness/problem with no power to draft troops?
had to ask states for soldiers
What was the significance of the AOC?
- too much power for state govts.
- AOC (national govt.) could not solve many of the nation’s problems
- Northwest Ordinance (1787)
What yr. was the Northwest Ordinance?
1787
What 2 things did the Northwest Ordinance do?
1 created a single territory out of all the western lands
2. also made rules to create new states
Who did the Northwest Ordinance give ownership of the Western lands to?
The national govt.
What rules were made under the Northwest Ordinance?
- pop. had to be at least 60,000
- had to have institutions created
* court houses
* schools
When was Shays Rebellion?
1786-1787
Where did Shays Rebellion take place?
Massachusetts
What lead to Shays Rebellion?
Conflicts between creditors & debtors as the economy worsens
What are creditors?
Those who lend money & own land
What are debtors?
Those who borrow money & rent land
What’s the deal with war veterans leading up to Shays Rebellion?
They’re owed money by the national govt. bc the national govt. cant tax to get that money
What ends up happening to debtors who cannot pay their bills?
Go through foreclosure of their homes/land
Why was foreclosure particularly bad for people back then?
If you lost your land, you lost your job which is farming so basically you’re stuck with nothing to do to help yourself
What happens as a result of all the conflicts between creditors & debtors?
Rebellions throughout America
Who was the leader of the most important rebellion resulting from creditor vs. debtor conflicts?
Daniel Shays
How did Shays Rebellion protest?
Protesters close courthouses/burn documents
why can’t the AOC stop Shays Rebellion?
- AOC can’t draft troops
- no army to stop the rebellion
how is Shays Rebellion ended?
the creditors hire a small “army” to end the rebellion
describe the significance of Shays Rebellion (brief)
- Demonstrates that AOC is too WEAK
2. Perfect timing
why are the AOC too weak?
bc states have too much power
describe the perfect timing aspect of the significance of Shays Rebellion
Annapolis Meeting - Jan. 1786
-discuss trade wars / govt. problems
-Alexander Hamilton was in charge of the meeting
-5 states & 12 men attended
-meet again next year
-Shays Rebellion occurred between 1st & 2nd meeting
-agreed to meet in Philadelphia [Philadelphia Meeting]
-May 1787
-12 states & 55 men attended
Sign.: that meeting became the Constitutional Convention
describe the Annapolis meeting of 1786
Annapolis Meeting - Jan. 1786 discuss trade wars / govt. problems Alexander Hamilton was in charge of the meeting 5 states & 12 men attended meet again next year
describe the Philadelphia meeting of 1787
- Shays Rebellion occurred between 1st & 2nd meeting
- agreed to meet in Philadelphia [Philadelphia Meeting]
- May 1787
- 12 states & 55 men attended
- Sign.: that meeting became the Constitutional Convention
where was the Constitutional Convention held?
Philadelphia
when did the Constitutional Convention occur?
May-Sept. of 1787
what was the Constitutional Convention?
- originally a meeting to fix the AOC
- Annapolis 1786
- Philadelphia 1787
who was at the Constitutional Convention?
Founding Fathers (FF) -55 men from 12 states (Rhode Island did not attend)
describe the characteristics of the FF
- wealthy / powerful / prestige
- well educated
- experienced in govt.
- relatively young
- religious
what was the avg. age at the time of the FF?
44 yrs.
what religion were most of the FF?
Christian
name the key leaders of the Constitutional Convention
- James Madison
- George Washington
- Alexander Hamilton
- Benjamin Franklin
what did James Madison bring to the convention?
the Virginia Plan
describe James Madison
shorter gentleman
describe George Washington’s involvement in the convention
- most famous American –> very powerful
- presence brought credibility to convention
- president of the convention
what was Alexander Hamilton’s involvement in the Constitutional Convention?
- strongest supporter for powerful national govt.
- basically invented the American economy
how did Hamilton get into the Constitutional Convention?
he befriended Washington (connection to convention)
what was Benjamin Franklin’s involvement in the Constitutional Convention?
-oldest one there = wisdom = hard to yell at = peacemaker
who was James Madison referred to as?
Father of the Constitution
describe the Virginia Plan
new govt. based on 3 branches
- legislative
- executive
- judicial
what was the Key decision at the Constitutional Convention?
-FF decide to scrap the AOC & create a new govt.
do the FF have authority to scrap the AOC & create a new govt.?
NO
how do the FF get away with creating a new govt.?
they have Washington & are the rich & powerful leaders of America
describe the rules at the Constitutional Convention
- create new govt.
- debate in secret
people would feel more free to speak the truth - one vote per state
- majority rules
when is the legislative branch discussed in the Constitution?
Article I
what part of govt. did the FF consider the most important?
Legislative
why was legislative branch considered most important by FF?
it’s the most representative branch
what kind of legislature did the VA Plan call for?
bicameral legislature (2 houses)
how would the lower house work according to the VA Plan?
- rep. based on state’s pop.
- proportional
how would the upper house work according to the VA Plan?
upper house is elected by the lower house
what is the significance in the bicameral legislature of the VA Plan?
- favors large states (bc lower house will elect people from their own states into the upper house so that their state gets more representation)
- rejected by small states
describe the NJ Plan
one-house legislature - equal rep.
what was the significance in the NJ Plan?
- favors small states
- rejected by large states
what is the Great or Connecticut Compromise?
- bicameral legislature
- 2 houses: lower & upper
- lower: rep. based on states’ pop. - proportional
- upper: equal rep. - 2 per state
what is our bicameral legislature referred to as?
Congress
what is the lower house called?
House of Representatives
what is the upper house referred to as?
Senate
In what Article is the executive branch found in the Constitution?
Article II
What did the FF fear?
a strong executive (President)
Why were the FF afraid of a strong executive?
bc of their previous experience with the King of GB
What was on the verge of happening bc of the FF fear of a strong executive?
on the verge of creating a weak executive branch where the executive has very few powers
What happened at the convention bc of the executive branch being on the verge of being weak?
Alexander Hamilton’s Speech
What does Alexander Hamilton’s Speech explain?
explains reasons for a strong executive branch
Who wins when it comes to the executive branch?
Hamilton (w/ his speech)
How long was Alexander Hamilton’s Speech?
5 hours
In what Article is the judicial branch found?
Article III
Describe the judicial branch’s appearance in the constitution
most vague / least details
What is the Supreme Court?
- court that’s above all the rest in America
- has the ultimate judicial power
Describe the Supreme Court’s power
- main power: to interpret the constitution
- can declare laws unconstitutional
Was the supreme courts main power in the constitution?
NO
how did the Supreme Court “get” it’s power to interpret the constitution and declare laws unconstitutional?
- it was written about by Hamilton
- it just became accepted by everyone
What concern came up when creating the constitution?
slavery
What did slavery do to the country?
divided America North vs. South
What was the North’s position on slavery?
some that wanted to ban slavery
what was the South’s position on slavery?
needed it for their economy
What was the dilemma at the convention concerning slavery?
if north attempted to ban slavery, then south wouldn’t accept new govt.
What was the Three-fifths Compromise?
each slave counts as 3/5 person when counting a state’s pop.
What did the 3/5 Compromise affect?
of reps in House of Reps.
What was the Slave Trade compromise?
slave trade could be banned by Congress but not until 1808
What was the Escaped Slave Clause?
escaped slaves had to be returned to their owners
even in the North
What was the goal of escaped slaves?
many slaves were trying to make it to Canada which was owned by Britain who banned slavery
Do the words “slave” or “slavery” ever appear in the constitution?
No
We never see the words “slaves” or “slavery” in the constitution..why?
- North hoped to eventually end slavery with this new govt.
- North was also ashamed that their country had slavery & they didn’t want to stain their document with those words
What does ratify mean?
To accept
What is the Ratification Process?
a process to accept the constitution
How did the Ratification Process work?
- required 9/13 states to agree
- each state voted through a state convention
What was Washington’s philosophy on Shays Rebellion/AOC and people?
people won’t do what’s in their best interest unless they are forced to
What was Washington implying with his philosophy about people and the AOC?
- AOC are too weak - they don’t have coercive power
- therefore, we need a stronger national govt.
Wha was Washington afraid of?
- He’s afraid people will bring back a monarch and mess everything up
- He just fought 8 years against it!!
What was washingtons opinion about the country?
Believes country is failing
Why does Jefferson feel rebellions are good?
Rebellions are good bc it leads us to question govt. & therefore govt. fixes itself
What is the constitution?
the supreme law of the land
What does the constitution being the supreme law of the land mean?
National govt. is more powerful than the state govts.
Describe the entire constitution
short & vague (lacking details)
Why is the constitution being short & vague a good thing?
- It can be changed as times change
2. It can be interpreted as times change
What is the preamble?
the intro to the constitution
What are the state govt. goals in the preamble?
- States = one country
- benefits all & improves lives - establish justice
- keep peace
- national defense
- general welfare
- prevent poverty, hunger, disease, etc. - protect our rights
basically, what is Popular Sovereignty?
Popular = people, Sovereignty = rule
just a fancy word for democracy
What is popular sovereignty?
ultimate political authority rests w/ the people
What does popular sovereignty mean for Americans?
they have the right to rule themselves
What is the sign. in popular sovereignty?
Americans are practical
- elections = control over leaders
- in essence, representative democracy
what is Limited Govt.?
right of minority groups must be protected
what is a minority group?
people whose viewpoint is not the accepted viewpoint in America
What does limited govt. mean for people?
people had a right for their voice to be heard
…therefore, Bill of Rights
-ex. Freedom of Speech
what is the Separation of Powers?
power distributed among 3 branches
What is the sign. in the separation of powers?
- prevent tyranny
2. makes branches responsive to diff. pressures
What are checks & balances?
each branch of govt. exercises some some restraining power over the other branches (also between 2 houses of Congress)
describe an example of checks & balances
creation of a law:
leg. branch: pass bill (majority vote)
executive branch: sign bill (therefore law) OR veto bill
leg. branch: override veto…need a 2/3 vote to override
judicial branch: interpret Constitutional & can declare law unconstitutional
leg. branch: propose amendment
What is the sign. in the checks & balances system?
- FF sought to prevent accumulation of all powers in 1 branch
- stop encroachment of 1 branch upon another
What is the problem with the checks & balances system?
creates deadlocks/prevents quick decisions… What if their is a crisis?
What is federalism?
govt. where power is divided & shared between a national govt. & state govts.
What is the sign. of federalism?
compromise between extreme concentration of power & loose organization of state govts.
What are the 3 types of powers?
- Enumerated
- Reserved
- Concurrent
What are enumerated powers?
powers given to the national (federal) govt. (delegated)
Where are enumerated powers found?
in the Constitution
What is the Necessary & Proper Clause?
Congress (national govt.) can make specific laws to carry out their vague powers
What does the Necessary & Proper Clause do for the national govt.?
increases power of national govt.
What are reserved powers?
powers given to the state govt.
Where are reserved powers found?
10th Amendment
What does the 10th amendment state/mean?
all powers not given to the national govt. in the Constitution are reserved [go to] the states
What does the 10th amendment do for the state govts.?
Increases their power
What is the significance in the 10th amendment?
matter of debate & interpretation
Whose the referee between the national & state govts.?
The judicial branch
Why is the judicial branch the referee?
bc they interpret the Constitution
What are concurrent powers?
powers the national & state govts. share
