Laws/Documents Flashcards
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (1777-1786)
A document authored by Thomas Jefferson; it declared that no person could be forced to attend a particular church or be required to pay for a church with tax money.
Articles of Confederation (1777-1781)
The first constitution of the U.S. Congress would become the single branch of the national government, but it would have limited powers to protect the liberties of the people. (Weak central gov.)
Land Ordinance of 1785
Established a system for surveying and dividing/selling western land in the Northwest Territory.
Virginia Plan (May 29, 1787)
Presented by Edmund Radolph. Proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population, favoring larger states. (Supreme power to central gov.)
New Jersey Plan (June 15, 1787)
Presented by William Peterson. Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states, favoring smaller states.
The Great Compromise (1787)
Combined the Virginia Plan & New Jersey Plan, creating a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives (population-based) & the Senate. (equal representation)
Three-Fifths Compromise (1787)
Determined that three out of every five (three-fifths) enslaved people would count for representation and taxation purposes.
The Federalists Papers (October 1787- May 1788)
A series of essays written Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay advocating for the ratification of the Constitution. (Written under the name ‘Publius’)
Bill of Rights (December 15, 1791)
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting individual liberties and rights.
Interstate Commerce (1787)
Allowed Congress to regulate trade between states, solving disputes under the AOC. (Trade between 2 or more states- states followed their own trade interests)
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Created a process for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory and banned slavery in the region.
