Questions/Events Flashcards

1
Q

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 establish?

A

The Ordinance established the Northwest Territory, which included areas that are now in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Created a system for bringing new states into the Union.

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2
Q

According to the Northwest Ordinance, what were some of the conditions that allowed a new state to join the Union?

A

AT least 600,000 free inhabitants in the territory, establish a local gov. and legislative assembly, draft and adopt a State Constitution that is republican, the new state must be approved by Congress, & once admitted, the state would have equal standing w/ existing states in the Union

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3
Q

Shays’s Rebellion (1786 - 1787)

A

An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts protesting high taxes and economic injustices, (high debt) highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

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4
Q

How did Shays’s Rebellion expose one weakness of the Confederation government and the Articles of Confederation?

A

It revealed the inability of the federal government to respond effectively to disturbances and maintain public order. The federal government lacked the power to raise a standing army or intervene effectively, showcasing its weaknesses in dealing w/ civil unrest.

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5
Q

Most Important Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation *

A
  • Congress had limited power; it couldn’t impose taxes or regulate commerce between the states (weak financially)
  • There was no execute branch to enforce law, leading to inaction on important issues (no lead)
  • Congress couldn’t regulate interstate or foreign trade, leading to economic disputes between states (economic struggles)
  • States retained most of their sovereignty & independence, leading to conflict & competition among them rather than cooperation (overarching issue)
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6
Q

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

A
  • Congress couldn’t create a strong army/Navy and relied on states to contribute troops, leaving the nation vulnerable (couldn’t fend for themselves)
  • No judicial branch, meaning disputes between states or interpret laws were neglected
  • Any changes to the Articles of Confederation required the approval of all states, making it nearly impossible to correct issues (reforming system was diff.)
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7
Q

Constitutional Convention (May 25 - September 17, 1787)

A

Delegates met in Philadelphia, Independence Hall to draft the U.S. Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

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8
Q

Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Economic Foundations *

A

North: More diverse economy w/ manufacturing and trade; smaller-scale agriculture and less reliance on slave labor. Many abolished slavery after the Revolution
South: Heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly cotton, tobacco, and rice, which required a large labor force; slavery was integral to their economic model

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9
Q

Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Social Perspectives

A

North: Increasingly seen as morally wrong; many advocated for abolition, influenced by Enlightenment ideals
South: Slavery was vital for social hierarchy & economic success, deeply ingrained in culture

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10
Q

Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Political Influence

A

North: Opposed extending slavery, aiming for more free states to balance power
South: Sought expansion of slavery into new territories to maintain political power

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11
Q

Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Legislative Compromises *

A

Constitutional Convention: Led to compromises like the Three-Fifths Compromise to address representation concerns
Slave Trade: South wanted to preserve it, while the North sought regulations; the Constitution allowed it for 20 years

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12
Q

Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Future Implications *

A

North: Growing abolitionist movements set the stage for future conflicts, leading to the Civil War
South: Committed to slavery, increasing national tensions

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13
Q

Process to amend the Constitution?

A

Two thirds of each house of Congress and three fourths of states must approve a change before it can take effect

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14
Q

Amendments

A

Only 27 have been approved in present time. Amendments are changes to the Constitution

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15
Q

Why did the Upper Chamber Senate make smaller states happy?

A

There are two senators per state, meaning equal representation among the states

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16
Q

Why did the Lower Chamber House of Representatives make larger states happy?

A

The larger states have more people and they’ll have more representatives which means more votes in Congress. (This equals more power)