Chapter 07: Founding a Nation (1783-1791) Flashcards
1
Q
When were the Articles of Confederation written and ratified?
A
Created in 1777 & Ratified in 1778
2
Q
What was the objective of the Articles of Confederation?
A
- balance need national coordination of War of Independence
- widespread fear centralized political power posed a danger to liberty
Declared: government “perpetual union”
3
Q
What was the structure of the Articles of Confederation?
A
Not: common government
Is: treaty for mutual defense
4
Q
What was the content of the Articles of Confederation?
A
- 13 states retain individual sovereignty
- national government: One-house Congress
- each state cast a single vote
- no president/judiciary committee
- Major decisions require 9 states approval (not just majority)
5
Q
What power did the Articles of Confederation have?
A
Power essential to struggle for independence
- declaring war
- foreign affairs
- treaties with governments
6
Q
What financial resources did the Articles of Confederation grant the government?
A
- coin money
- lack power to levy taxes
Revenue: from individual states
7
Q
What was the requirement for the Articles of Confederation to be amended?
A
Unanimous consent of states
8
Q
What was the most important accomplishment of the Articles of Confederation?
A
Most important: established national control over land west of 13 states
9
Q
How was the “National Domain” created in the 1780s by the Articles of Confederation?
A
devised rules for settlement
According to original charters, Virginia, Carolinas, and Connecticut → claimed immense territory
- Land speculators, politicians: land belongs to the country as a whole
- after land-rich states ceded western claimed → Articles ratified
= NATIONAL DOMAIN
10
Q
Which power did the Articles of Confederation allow the government to do?
A
- borrow money
- operatare army and navy
- ban slavery in western territory
- create new states
- settle state disputes
11
Q
What were the 5 achievements of the Articles of Confederation?
A
[1] The first government of the US
[2] Organized western territory:
- gained during the Treaty of Paris (1783)
- How: Northwest Ordinance (1787)
[3] Functional government through Revolutionary War
[4] Some protection for individual rights
- free movement between states
- mutual respect between states
[5] Allowed government to:
- borrow money
- operate army and navy
- ban slavery in the western territory
- create new states
- settle state disputes
12
Q
What were the two treaties that allowed the Articles to organize western territory?
A
gained during the Treaty of Paris (1783)
How: Northwest Ordinance (1787)
13
Q
What were the 9 problems with the Articles of Confederation?
A
- The government had no executive branch
- Each state had one vote in legislative branch
- No separate judicial branch
- Not create taxes
- Not raise the national army separate from states
- Each state printed own currency
- Not control interstate trade or international trade
- New laws required support 9/13 states
- Needed unanimous agreement of states to amend the document
14
Q
Why was the lack of an executive branch a problem (posed by the Articles of Confederation)?
A
Could pass laws > states enforce → Congress no power to enforce state enforcement
15
Q
Why was the lack of a judicial branch a problem (posed by the Articles of Confederation)?
A
[1] When law’s meanings were questioned → no one fairly settles the issue
[2] No court settle disputes between states or people different states
16
Q
Why was the “one vote in legislative branch” a problem (posed by the Articles of Confederation)?
A
- Each state equal representation
- Larger populations (Virginia) not think fair
17
Q
Why was the fact that the government could not levy taxes a problem (posed by the Articles of Confederation)?
A
- Taxes pay government function
- Congress only request money from state legislatures
18
Q
Why was the government unable to raise a national army (posed by the Articles of Confederation)?
A
During the war Washington requested money for supplies:
- Congress does not force states to pay
- troops went hungry
19
Q
Why was the fact that the states printing their own currency a problem (posed by the Articles of Confederation)?
A
Needed different currencies & not have the same value
20
Q
Why was the fact that the national government could not control interstate or intrastate trade a problem (posed by the Articles of Confederation)?
A
States acted in own interst (not nation as a whole)
21
Q
Why was the fact that the new laws required 9/13 states’ support a problem (posed by the Articles of Confederation)?
A
difficult pass laws → so many had to agree
22
Q
Why did the national domain need new laws during its early establishment?
A
(*Americans said empty) *100,000 Indian inhabitants
- Congress → Indians right to land
- The little distinction between the position of Indian tribes during the war
23
Q
What was the purpose of the peace conferences between 1784 and 1785?
A
Americans demanded large surrenders of Indian land
Similar to other treaties:
- Cherokee
- Choctaw
- Chickasaw tribes
24
Q
What were the 2 competing perspectives regarding disposing of western land (1780s)?
A
Perspective 01:
Economic health country → farmers need land
Perspective 02:
land sales = revenue
25
How did land annexation play into American liberty in the 1780s?
The "right to take land" = essential part of American freedom
26
Why did the Ohioans petition Congress in 1785?
* landlords monopolized acreage
* wanted preference in land ownership given to settlers
* motto: "Grant us Liberty"
27
What Ordinances were there about the western lands in the 1780s?
1. Ordinance of 1784
2. ordinance of 1785
3. Northwest Ordinance of 1787
28
What was the **Ordinance of 1784?**
_Who:_ Thomas Jefferson
_What_: establish stages of self-government for West
* divided into districts
* Initially governed by Congress → then unions
* almost prohibited slavery
29
What was the **Ordinance of 1785***?*
regulated sales in "**Old Northwest"**
* land sold in sections
* each township → 1 section must be used for public education
30
How was land acquisition out of reach for most people in the western lands during the 1780s?
(Like British) struggled control thirst for new land
minimum purchasing price: **$640**
out of reaching most people
bought smaller pieces from speculators
Pressed for a reduction in price
**Homestead Act of 1862** → free land in public domain
31
What was the Northwestern Ordinance of 1787?
Called eventual **establishment of 3-5 states**
* north Ohio River & east Mississippi
32
How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 create an "empire of liberty?"
* not rule new area as colonies
* integrate as eventual member states
* territorial expansion & self-government grow together
33
How did the Northwest Ordination of 1787 affect Indians?
**Policies towards Indians:**
1. pledge "the utmost good faith"
2. not take land without concent
_Assumed Indian presence would disappear:_
* purchase
* treaties
* voluntary removal
34
How did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 affect slavery?
_Prohibited_
* far-reaching consequeces
* Still had slaves:
* though **voluntary signed contracts"**"
35
How did the standard of living in the Western country in the 1780-1790s compare to the rest of the country?
**1. Less developed than cities in the east**
* death from illness
* food shortages
**2. Education irregular**
**3. Religion "at-home" experience**
* priests and preachers only travel inland occasionally
36
What was "**Backcountry Culture**?"
* reflected origins of people
* as populations grew → increased political conflict
* Conflict with American Indians
37
How was the finance of the War of Independence a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
* borrowed large sums of money
* sold interest-bearing bonds
* paid soldiers and suppliers with notes to be redeemed in future
Afterward: *lacked money pay debts*
38
What economic problems did the Articles of Confederation cause? [3]
**[1] Financing War of Independence:**
* borrowed large sums of money
* sold interest-bearing bonds
* paid soldiers and suppliers with notes to be redeemed in future
Afterward: *lacked money pay debts*
**[2] Barred trading in West Indies**
**[3] Imported goods flooded the market**
* undercut locals
* cut wages
* drained money
39
How did the 1790s government seek new trading opportunities in China?
[1] **1784**: _Empress of China went to Canton_
first American ship to China
_Content_
* furs
* spices
* Spanish silver dollars
_Returned_:
* skils
* tea
* porcelain
Large profits
Asia feasible alternative
Still _not make up for loss of West Indies_
40
What did the Congress during the 1790s do after they were out of money and the states were unwilling to fund them?
1. Tariffs for imported goods
2. Printed large amount of paper money
## Footnote
*Creditors saw as attacks on property rights*
41
What happened during the Shays's Rebellion of 1786 and 1787?
_Who_: Crowd debt-ridden farmers (Massachusetts)
_Leader_: **Daniel Shays** (War of Independence veteran & Massachusetts Farmer)
_Motivation:_
1. After war: farmers high property taxes
2. Not pay: government confiscated and sold thier farms
*Saw: abuse of power*
_What:_
1. Violence → militia killed 4 Shays men
2. closed courts → prevent seizure land (not paid taxes)
_Modeled actions after crowd activities of 1760s and 1770s:_
_employed liberty trees & poles = symbols_
42
43
How did authorities respond to the Shays's Rebellion?
No sympathy from Governor James Bowdoin
**dispatched army**
* Leader: _Benjamin Lincoln_
* January 1787: stopped
44
What were the broader (relation to the government) implications of the Shays's Rebellion (1786)?
Served: the culmination of series events (1780s)
Goerge Washington:
* Alarm → is not responded faster to threat
* National government: not capital, or power
Result: **persuaded group Americans national government must be strengthened**
* develop uniform economic policies
* protect property ownership
45
How did "liberty" play into the debate about increased national authority in the 17th century?
*less relevant for proponents of national authority*
"dangers of liberty"
* not from government
* from people selves
Private liberty could be endangered by public liberty
_Private liberty:_ enjoyment of property rights
_Public liberty:_ unchecked power in the hand of the people
46
Which two viewpoints exist regarding the Shays's rebellion and its implications?
View 01:
Catalyst dimantling Articles and creating Constitution
View 02:
Americans wondering whether national government should be more powerful 2 years prior
47
What was James Madison's opinion in the 1790s discussion about increased national authority?
Virginian
ally Thomas Jefferson
Thoughts about political freedom:
**Wanted stronger national government**
48
Which type of people thought that the power of the national government should increase in the 1780s?
Men = "nation builders"
thought country's future depended increased national authority
_Other followers:_
Wanted stronger economic influence:
* bondholders
* urban artisans
* merchants
* those feared states infringing property rights
49
Why did Alexander Hamilton believe that there needs to be a stronger national government?
allow US to become powerful political and economical presence
50
Who were the type of people who critiqued the Articles of Confederation?
men developed national consciousness during Revolution
* army members
* members Congress foreign diplomats
51
What happened during the Philadelphia Convention in May 1787?
Philadelphia\*\*: **amended Articles of Confederation**\*\*
* every state (except Rhode-Island)
* scrapped entire thing
* replaced with new Constitution
52
When was the Constitutional Convention?
May 25 - September 17 1787
53
Who attended the Constitutional Convention?
55 men
* Thomas Jefferson and John Adams - not take part
* George Washington & Benjamin Franklin
All wealthy & more than 1/2 owned slaves
54
Who was the elite in American during the 1780s?
1/10 of 1% attended college (1/2 attendees college education)
shared social statues and polictics
55
What was the objective of the Constitutional Convention?
1. believed strengthening of national authority
2. curb "excesses of democracy"
56
What branches of government did the Consitution create?
1. legislature judiciary
2. executive judiciary
3. national judiciary
57
How did the Consitution pose that the government should finance itself?
Congress raise _money without reliance on states_
States does _not_ infringe the **rights of property**
Government **represent "the people"**
* a wanted middle ground between the despotism of monarchy and aristocracy
* balance liberty and power
58
How did the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan compare?
*Arguments over the balance of federal and state power*
**_Virginia Plan_**
Who: James Madison
What: Creation 2-house legislature → state's pop determine each
**_New Jersey Plan_**
*Alternative to Virginia Plan*
Virginia, Massachusetts, & Penn = liked this one
_What_: Called single-house congress
* each state 1 vote
59
Explain the compromise between the Virginia and New Jersey Plan?
**Two-house Congress:**
[1] **_Senate_** (each state 2 members)
Senators:
* chosen state legislature
* 60-year terms
[2] **_House of Representatives_** (based population)
* elected 2 years (by people)
60
Name the 5 compromises in the Consitution?
1. Great Compromise
2. Three-Five Compromise
3. Slave Trade Compromise
4. Commerce Compromise
5. Presidential Compromise
61
What was the "**Great Compromise**" of the Consitution?
* Leaders more populous states wanted more representation
* Smaller states: wanted "one vote per state policy"
_Great Compromise:_
_bicameral legislature_: Senate and House of Representatives
62
What was "Tree-Fifth-Compromise?"
_Southern States:_
* wanted slaves count as population
* not for taxation
_Northern States:_ opposite
**3/5 of slave population counter determine each state's representation in:**
1. House of Representatives
2. Electoral votes
3. 4.
63
What was the "Slave Trade Compromise?"
(Some) Wanted slavery end gradually
* not give incentive for practice to continue
* Knew without compromise Southern States not ratify
**Allowed further import of slaves until 1808**
*January 01, 1808: prohibited further import slaves*
64
What was the "Commerce Compromise?"
_Southern States:_
* wanted control own trade
* slaves & taxable agricultural
_Northern States:_
* wanted federal control
* power tax imports and exports
Protect growing industries
**_Commerce Compromise_**
* federal control of international and interstate trade
* allowing states to control intrastate trade
* prevent export taxes and ban slave trade 20 years
65
What was the "_Presidential Compromise_?"
Favor: **stronger state government**
* president → shorter term
* limit number of terms
* elected state legislature
Favor: **stronger central government**
* direct election by voters
* longer terms
* no term limit
**_Presidential Compromise_**
Indirect election: Electoral College
* 4 year term
* no term limit
(1951: 22nd Amendment = 2 terms)
66
What was the House of Representatives?
House of Representatives: _chosen people_
* indicate expansion of democracy
* no property/religious qualifications for voting
67
How did the new government structure pose by the Constitution shield the government from popular enthusiasm?
Assumed Senate = esteemed people
* Supreme Court member: lifetime by president
* not directly appoint federal judges/president
House of Representatives - same
* 65 members
68
How was the president elected (1780s)?
electoral college
(or) House of Representative
69
How was the State Electors elected?
1. legislature
2. popular vote
70
How was the President and Vice President elected (1780s)?
**Elector cast votes 2 candidates for president**
second place - VP
_No majority:_
* the president chose top three finishers by House of Representative
* Senate elect VP
WHY?
*Not trust ordinary people to choose president*
71
What two principles were the Consitution based on?
1. **Division of Power** (Federalism)
2. **Separation of Power** (Checks and Balances)
72
What was the idea of "Federalism" or "Division of Power" in the Constitution?
*Separation of power between the central government and states*
**_National Government:_**
(Compared AoC) Constitution strengthened national gov
president enforce laws
Congress:
1. levy tax
2. borrow money
3. regulate commerce
4. declare war
5. deal with foreign nations
6. promote "general welfare"
Prevent states from infringing property rights
**_States:_**
other affairs (education & law)
73
What was the concept of "Checks and Balances" or "Separation of Powers" in the Consitution?
*Prevent any one branch of government to dominate the other two*
Branches: _Executive_, _judicial_, _national_
* **Congress enact laws** → president veto
2/3 majority lass law over objection
* _Federal judges:_ nominated president & approved Senate
ensure independence - serve life
* President impeached House
* President removed by Senate
74
What did the Consitution say about slavery?
Word "slavery" not in the constitution
Did contain **strong protections for slavery**
* Congress not able to abolish 20 years
* required states return slaves
75
What was the **Three-Fifths Clause** (1787)?
**3/5** of slave population counter determine each state's representation in:
1. House of Representatives
2. Electoral votes
76
What was the implications of the Three-Fifths Clause in relation to state power?
Allowed white South → **greater power in national affairs** (than free population allow)
first 16 elections (1788-1848): _12 Southern Slaveholders elected_
77
What was South Carolina's influence on Slavery in the Constitution?
Came Convention → _defend slavery_
Impact final document
1. **Fugitive slave clause**
2. **electoral college**
3. Insisted **strict limits on Congress power**:
* levy taxes
* feared raised taxes on slave property
78
How did the Constitution indicate that the creators wanted it to be able to "die out?"
slavery created by "state" (not national) law
opportunities states stop slavery
79
What was the **Slave Trade Clause**?
Allowed further **import of slaves until 1808**
## Footnote
*January 01, 1808: prohibited further import slaves*
80
What was the **Fugitive Slave Clause**?
Slave laws = "**extraterritoriality**" → _condition of bondage remained even if a slave escaped to a state with abolished slave laws_
Very ambiguous:
1. not who should bring the fugitive back
2. what judicial procedure needed
*Major source conflict between North and South*
81
Who wrote the Preamble in the Constitution?
Gouverneur Morris
82
When was the last session of the Constitution Convention?
**September 17, 1787**
* of 45 delegates, 39 signed for ratification
* new framework for America
83
What was *The Federalist Papers* (1788)?
_Who_: Hamilton, Madison, John Jay
_Why_: wanted support constitution
_What_: series **85 essays**
* in newspapers under a pseudonym: **_Publius_**
* regarded one most important documents → contributed "American thought"
84
What was the ***Federalist nos 10 and 51**?*
_Who_: Madison
_What_: **Constitution structured prevent abuse of power**
10 & 51: Vision of the relationship between government and society
essential dilemma:
* "government based will of people"
* "People prone to dangerous enthusiasms"
Economic development eventually increase poverty
* the government can distribute wealth (taking wealth from the rich)
"Extend the sphere"
* large government → dominate worlds
85
What was the ***Federalist's nos 10 and 51** resulting effect?*
Result: shape understanding of new political institutions
* arguing the size of the republic good
* saw westwards expansion essential to freedom
86
Why did some people oppose the Ratification of the Constitution?
Thoughts: **gave the national government too much power**
Feared fall under sway merchants, creditors, other hostiles
Thought: _Popular self-government only work in small countries_
87
Why were the Anti-Federalists less effective than the Federalists in regards to opposing the Constitution?
lacked leadership of opposition
88
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
* state politicians → not want power diminished
* Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Patrick Henry
* Small farmers (supported by state debtor-relief measures)
* Slavery:
some wanted to be abolished
others affairs will be abolished
89
90
How did "liberty" become the watchword for the Anti-Federalists?
- happiness
- Bill of Rights
American happiness:
1. freedom of institutions
2. limited nature of government
Wanted: life grounded in local, democratic institutions
pointed out the lack of Bill of Rights
91
What geographical division existed regarding the Constitution?
* cities & rural areas
* tied to commercial marketplaces
most energetic support: poorest
* artisans, laborers, and sailors
Promised use power to get country out of economic depression
92
how did newspaper coverage compare between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
1787: 92 Newspaper
only _12 published anti-federalist_ content
93
When was the Constitution ratified?
mid-1787: **9 states ratified**
94
Which three parts were the most important in the constitution?
1. freedom speech & press & religion
2. protection unjust criminal procedure
3. equality before law
95
What was Madison's view on the **Bill of Rights**?
* redundant
* parchment barriers to abuse of authority → least effective when most needed
* True in the future....
Times of _Popular Hysteria_: branches of government tried to trample freedom of expression
Red Scare after WW 1
McCarthy era (1950s)
96
What was the **First Amendment**?
Prohibited Congress legislating with regards:
1. religion,
2. infringe freedom of speech or press
3. infringe right to assembly
97
Define the **Bill of Rights**?
The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. ... It guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual—like freedom of speech, press, and religion. It sets rules for due process of law and reserves all powers not delegated to the Federal Government to the people or the States.
98
What was the **Second Amendment**?
1. Right to bear arms
2. have a well-regulated militia
Others:
* prohibit arrest without warratns
* forcing people accused of a crime to testify against self
* reaffirm the right to trial by jury
99
How did the Constitution show a government movement to pure secularism?
Reflected changes brought on by Revolution
Constitution: **purely secular:**
* no references to God
* bars religious tests for officeholders
Madison wanted separate church and state
even opposed appointment chaplain to Congress/militia
100
How did the reaction to the Bill of Rights compare between when it was originally ratified and the 20th century?
Originally mostly ignored
20th century: Revered expression of American freedom
101
How did British law (17th-18th century) define a "citizen?"
American colonist & English =" subjects" of the crown
* entitled to protection
* produce allegiance
* males → take up arms
102
What three ways did the Constitution "define" citizenship?
Independence: from British subjecthood → American citizens
***_Constitution does not specify who are citizens_***
**[1] _"Comity Clause_" in Constitution:**
prohibited discrimination between citizens of different states
(sort of) rights citizen determined by the state
**[2] The constitution does specify: must to American born**
The inference that citizens derive from:
1. birth
2. "naturalization" process of immigrants
**[3]** (Occasionally) Federal government: **used the purchase of land to grant citizenship**
Residents of territory acquired = citizenship if wanted (Not Native Americans)
1. 1803: Bought Louisiana from France
2. Mexican-American War
103
What was the assumed citizen in the 19th century?
Assumed citizen: **white, male & females, born America**
1. women not the same rights as males
2. Slaves/Indians = not citizens
3. Free blacks status → highly controversial
104
Why was citizenship given to black sailors in the 1790s?
not want to be swept up by British Royal Navy
105
How did citizenship for free blacks change after the 1790s? (Especially in northern states)
Time went on: _severe restrictions_ & _refusal to give citizenship_
**Northern States:**
* (some) voting rights
* (all) property ownership, trial by jury, ability hold public meetings...
* NOT full equality
106
How was citizenship affirmed after the reconstruction era following the Civil War?
statement added to Constitution → **"birthright citizenship"**
regardless of race, language, religion, national origin, legal status
107
How did the Constitution identify 3 types of American inhabitants?
[1] **Indians**
members independent tribes & not part American body
[2] "Other persons:" **slaves**
[3] "**People**"
108
What was the American leader's objective when creating policies for westwards expansion in the 18th century?
_Agree_: West is not left Indians hands
_Disagree_: course of action
Wanted to **encourage white westwards expansionism**
Implied 3 things:
1. removal Indians to lands farther west
2. total disappearance
3. incorporation into white community
109
What was the purpose of the Treaty System in regard to Indian removal from western lands?
Indians **NO representation in Government**
* Treaty system → unique status
* Treaties: way transferring land from Indians to whites
110
What discord took place in Ohio Valley in 1791?
Leader Miami Confederacy: _Little Turtle_
Leader Americans: _Arthur St. Clair_
* Turtle inflict defeat
* 630 Americans dead (most ever at hands of Indians)
111
What happened at the Battle of Fallen Timbers (1794)?
3000 Americans & leader: Anthony Wayne
* Defeated _Little Turtle_
* lead directly to **Treaty of Greenville**
112
What caused the Treaty of Greenville?
the Battle of Fallen Timbers (1791)
113
What was the **Treaty of Greenville** (1795)?
**12 Indian tribes ceded most of Ohio and Indiana to the federal government**
Established _ANNUITY SYSTEM_
yearly grants of federal money Indian tribes
Result:
1. continuing influence in tribal affairs
2. outsiders considerable control over Indians
114
How did Thomas Jefferson view Indians during the 1790s?
Rejected idea Indians inferior
just **less advanced stage of civilization**
* members of society by assimilation: by abandoning ways
115
How did the government attempt to assimilate the Indians into society in the 1790s?
1790s: Congress authorized President Washington to distribute:
* tools and livestock to Indian men
* spinning wheels and looms to women
White view: **adopting American gender roles → true assimilation**
Indian view: **freedom**
* retaining tribal autonomy
* ability travel in search of game
116
What was the status of free blacks during the 1790s?
Status: **indeterminate**
_Gradual Emancipation acts_
* in North
* assumed former slaves remain in country → not colonize abroad
* Rights: During Revoltion: (somewhat) similar whites
117
What was the **Naturalization Act** (1790)?
**First legislative definition American nationality:**
* immigration → only "free white persons"
* "white" excluded most people
* 80 years only whites become citizens
**1870**: Africans allowed
**1924**: Native Americans granted citizenship
**1940s**: Asians eligible
118
How did whites view free blacks after the Revolution?
_Excluded blacks view American people_
Saw **deficient in qualities made freedom possible**
* self-control
* reason
* devolution larger community
119
What were ***Notes on the State of Virginia*** (1785)?
_Who_: Thomas Jefferson
_What_: **comparison of races**
* claims: qualities "lacked" made blacks unable to be part of the nation
* Jefferson: obsessed connection heredity & environment, race & intelligence
120
