Chapter 8: American History Flashcards
Articles finalized when all states surrendered their…
claims to Western lands
Most state constitutions…
Limited terms and powers of governors
Property qualifications for voters…
This disfranchised 1/4-1/2 adult white males
In the quarter century after 1775 slavery was effectively abolished or gradually?
most modern states
1st to allow free blacks and women to vote
New jersey
Other article weaknesses
-no judicial authority
-no executive authority
In brilliant move of theatrics General George Washington defused the plot with…
An emotional speech officers to have faith in congress
Ordinance 1785
Land sold at public auction (minimum price dollar an acre) 640 acres parcels
The northwest Ordinance of 1787
First anti-slavery document in America
Shays Rebellion
Debt-strapped Western Farmers could not pay their taxes and were losing their farms
So Farmers led by
Daniel Shays
Shays Rebellion caused leaders throughout the country
to worry whether the confederation were inadequate and could not handle problems of civil disorder
(2/3)
Primarily Lawyers
On May 25th 2 things were voted on
1) the discussion and votes would be kept secret until the conclusion of the meeting
2) George Washington was unanimously elected president of the convention
The new jersey plan
Unicameral legislature based on equal representation
The Great compromise
Bicameral legislature (1)
House of representatives (2)
Representation based on Population (3)
Members elected by voters (4)
Serve 2yr terms (5)
Senate (6)
Representation is equal (7)
Members would be selected by state legislature (8)
serve 6yr terms (9)9
The question of whether slaves would be counted as part of the population in determining representation in congress
The 3/5’s compromise
Results of 3/5’s compromise
1) expanded the political power of slaveholders
2) impact on elections through the Electoral College- Nine of fifteen presidents were slave owners
3) institutionalized slavery in America
Similarly, the presidency evolve into a powerful office out of reach off the people
Electoral College
Ratification of the constitution
Only 9/13 states necessary