Establishing a New Nation Flashcards
Republics
- a form of government in which officials are elected by the people
Unicameral legislature
- a lawmaking body made up of a single house
Bicameral legislature
- a lawmaking body made up of two houses
Articles of Confederation
- the original federal constitution drafted by the Continental Congress in 1777
Federal
- national
Northwest Territory
- a vast territory north of the Ohio River and west of Pennsylvania as
far as the Mississippi River
Land Ordinance of 1785
- a law which designed a system for managing and settling lands
in the Northwest Territory
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
- a law which provided a basis for governing the Northwest
Territory
Shays’ Rebellion
- a farmers’ rebellion, led by Daniel Shays, against higher taxes in
Massachusetts
Why did some states choose unicameral legislatures, and some choose bicameral legislatures
The advantages of the bicameral legislature where it had 2 houses while the advantages of the unicameral was it had elections by the people.
What was the structure of the new government under the Articles of Confederation?
The disadvantages of these legislatures were due to the new federal government; they weren’t able to do as much and were enforced into smaller positions when it came to passing laws or
regulating the people.
What was the purpose of the Northwest Ordinance?
The purpose of the Northwest Ordinance was to help expand America’s state ownership
towards the western parts.
James Madison
- was a Patriot who represented Virginia in
the Continental Congress.
Virginia Plan
- James Madison’s proposal for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population
New Jersey Plan
- William Paterson’s proposal for a unicameral legislature with each
state having one vote
Great Compromise
- a compromise between the Virginia and New Jersey plans for a
bicameral legislature: each state would have equal representation in the Senate and varied representation, based on the state’s population, in the House of Representatives
Federalism
- a political system in which power is shared between the national
government and state governments
Three-Fifths Compromise
- a compromise in which each enslaved person in a state would
be counted as three fifths of a person for the purposes of legislative representation
Compare how the views of Alexander Hamilton and James Madison regarding government were similar and different
Alexander Hamilton did not like the idea of democracy but followed a more conservative viewpoint while James Madison believed in a more Republican government viewpoint. Both wanted a larger government legislature with balanced power.
How did the Constitutional Convention address the concerns of southern delegates that northern states might try to end the slave system?
They addressed the concerns the southern delegates made by enacting the Three-fifths Compromise.
What were the mains flaws in the Articles of Confederation?
One of the main flaws the AOC had was that the federal government was weak and couldn’t add taxes to anything, so the Constitution made sure that they were able to do so
What were the mains flaws in the Articles of Confederation?
One of the main flaws the AOC had was that the federal government was weak and couldn’t add taxes to anything, so the Constitution made sure that they were able to do so
What were the main issues that the Federalists and Antifederalists disagreed on?
The main issues the Federalists and Antifederalists disagreed on was the fight over the Constitution and the states.
List two powers for each branch of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branch.
The Legislative: consists of creating laws and can also declare war. The Executive: can carry laws and sign treaties. The Judicial: can evaluate and apply laws.
What are the main political principles of the Constitution?
The main political principles of the Constitution were popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, and federalism.
Is the United States government a direct democracy? Why or why not?
The United States is not a direct democracy, because it allows electors to elect freely but does not vote directly to.
How has the Constitution written over 200 years ago remained relevant and responsive to current social, political, and economic events?
The Constitution remained relevant and responsive to current social, political, and economic events because it actively changed to correspond with newer environmental changes, and economic views.
What is the principles of federalism and how is it reflected in the relationship between federal and state government?
The principles of federalism are the distribution of power in the nations and government. It is reflected in the between federal and state government because it affects how much power and control is given and how it is regulated.
Under the Constitution, some powers are given to the states. Name 2 of these powers.
Some powers given to the states are the ability to own property and the protection of the citizens.
