Creation of the Constitution Flashcards
Articles of Confederation
first governing article in the US
strengths of Articles of Confederation
- legislative body: Confederation Congress
- Congress had power to wage war, make peace, sign treaties, run Indian affairs, and issue money
- each state had one vote in Congress
- state power: authority to set taxes and enforce national laws
- run postal service
- successful Northwest Ordinance which governed the Northwest Territory
weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
- did not give equal powers/ rights to all states regarding western land distribution.
- Confederation Congress too weak to deal with national issues
- problems with foreign relations
- cant collect taxes, regulate trade (tariffs), create courts, amend articles, or enforce laws
- Congress was the only branch
Shays’ Rebellion
farmers’ rebellion in Massachusetts making it apparent to political leaders that the Articles of Confederation needed to be replaced by a stronger Constitution and national government
Virginia Plan
government of 3 branches- executive, judicial and legislative
- legislative branch -two sections: Upper and Lower House (proportional)
- both houses were elected based on population
- checks and balances
- proposed by James Madison
New Jersey Plan
- William Patterson
- 3 branches of government with checks and balances
- single house of Congress
- -each state has an equal vote
Great Compromise
PASSED
-committee led by Roger Sherman
-two branches of legislative
Senate: each state has equal number of votes
House of Representatives: based on population
Three-Fifths Compromise
- counted slaves as 3/5 of a person
- slaves counted for representation in the legislative branches and in taxation
- slavery would not be banned until 1808
Federalists
- supported ratification of the Constitution
- shared power between states and federal government
- having a strong government was the best way to protect rights
- Constitution gave limited power to federal government
- Constitution gave people the power to protect their rights through elections
Anti-federalists
-did not support ratification of the Constitution
Constitution would:
-take power away from states
-no guaranteed rights for the people
-support from rural areas and large states
-demanded a bill of rights
-afraid of that Senate would become too powerful and thought that personal rights would be lost without a bill of rights
Federalist Papers
-series of essays written by Hamilton, Madison and Jay- tried to persuade people to support ratification of the Constitution
Bill of Rights
-ten amendments, or additions to the Constitution
Process granting basic individual rights and protecting people from government abuse
Northwest Ordinance
- outlined how Northwest Territory (lands west of the Appalachian Mountains) was to be governed
- Democratic features: as territory grew in population, it would gain rights of self government- 5,000 people required
- 60,000: could apply for statehood
- rivers open for Naviganon
- freedom of religion and trial by jury
- slavery outlawed
Constitutional Congress
where: Philadelphia, PA
why: discuss ways to improve trade by developing national trade laws to help the economy
-President: G. Washington
Creator of the Virginia Plan and notetaker: James Madison
Amending the Constitution: proposal and ratification method
- 2/3 of each house of Congress or 2/3 of the state legislatures can propose an amendment
- needs approval of 3/4 of states or the convention
