Chapter Eight Flashcards
Describe the basic structural features of the U.S. Constitution as set forth in the Great Compromise
BICAMERAL LEGISLATURE-
House of Representatives-representation based on population, members elected by voters, serve two terms
Senate— Representation is equal, members would be elected by state legislature, serve 6 year terms
Explain the results of the 3/5’s Compromise
Expanded the POLITICAL power of slaveholders, Impact on elections through the electoral college, nine of first fifteen presidents were slave owners, Institutionalizes slavery in AMERICA
Compare the Federalist and antifederalist positions on the ratification of the Constitution
Only 9/13 states necessary to ratify
Federalists- sought to ratify the Constitution
wanted a strong central government (Feared Anarchy)
They also argued that people like themselves, elite, intelligent, virtuous, public spirited leaders should run the country because they were the most qualified to do so
Anti-Federalists- Were opposed to Ratification of the Constitution
wanted strong states rights and a weak central government,they also feared a distant government always run by elite would infringe on the peoples liberties, feared the government would become corrupt and tyrannical
The Articles of Confederation were finally approved in 1781,when all the states agreed to surrender their
Claims to western lands
In devising their new constitutions, most states
Reduced the powers of the governor
What was the effect of property qualifications on voters and candidates in the new states?
Laws disfranchised 25 to 50 percent of all adult white males
Which state allowed free blacks and women to vote in the early years of the republic?
New Jersey
How did General George Washington disarm the soldiers responsible for plotting the Newburgh Conspiracy?
He delivered an emotional speech convincing the soldiers to have faith in Congress
Who would have the opportunity to buy land under the Ordinance of 1785’s guidelines for the Northwest territory?
People willing to buy minimum parcels of. 640 acres each
2/3 of the Constitutional Convention’s delegates came from which segment of the population?
Lawyers
At the Constitutional Convention, the proposal to create a two-chamber legislature—with representation in both houses based each state’s population was known as
VIRGINIA Plan
How did delegates decide to count slaves when determining the apportionment of representatives?
Slaves were counted under the 3/5s clause
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territories
What led to Shay’s rebellion of 1786?
Massachusetts farmers resented increasing taxes
what was the legacy of Shay’s rebellion?
Political leaders realized the Articles were inadequate
