Chapter 7 - Creating Republican Governments (1776-1790) Flashcards
Anti-Federalists
Those who opposed the 1787 Constitution and favored individual states
Checks and Balances
Conservative Whigs
Federalists
Radical Whigs
Summarize the transition from Monarchy to American Republic
Summarize How Much Revolutionary Change ?
Summarize Debating Democracy
The late 1770’s and 1780s witnessed one of the most creative political eras as each state drafted its own constitution. The Articles of Confederation, a weak national league among the states, reflected the dominant view that power should be located in the states and not in a national government. However, neither the state governments nor the Confederation government could solve the enormous economic problems resulting from the long and costly Revolutionary War. The economic crisis led to Shay’s Rebellion by residents of western Massachusetts, and to the decision to revise the Confederation government.
Summarize the Constitutional Convention and Federal Constitution
What was the significance of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”?
Republicanism rejected dynastic rule, emphasizing government by representative citizens, and aimed to prevent tyranny through checks and balances. It was seen as an alternative to both monarchy and direct democracy.
What democratic features were included in early state constitutions like Pennsylvania’s?
The 1776 Pennsylvania constitution eliminated property requirements for voting, enabling most free white males to participate.
What were the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It lacked the power to tax, required unanimous consent to amend, and created a weak central government without an executive or judiciary.
What was the importance of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
It established a process for admitting new states, prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory, and promoted orderly settlement.
What led to Shays’ Rebellion, and what was its outcome?
It arose from economic hardship and high taxes in Massachusetts, demonstrating the weaknesses of the Articles and prompting calls for a stronger federal government.
What compromise resolved the issue of representation at the Constitutional Convention?
The Connecticut Compromise established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
It counted three out of every five enslaved individuals for taxation and representation, granting slave states disproportionate political power
What were the main differences between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
Federalists supported a strong national government and the Constitution, while Anti-Federalists feared centralized power and demanded a Bill of Rights.
