Questions/Events Flashcards
What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 establish?
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.
According to the Northwest Ordinance, what were some of the conditions that allowed a new state to join the Union?
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
Shays’s Rebellion (1786 - 1787)
An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts protesting high taxes and economic injustices, (high debt) highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
How did Shays’s Rebellion expose one weakness of the Confederation government and the Articles of Confederation?
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.
Most Important Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation *
- 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)
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
- 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.)
Constitutional Convention (May 25 - September 17, 1787)
Delegates met in Philadelphia, Independence Hall to draft the U.S. Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation.
Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Economic Foundations *
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
Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Social Perspectives
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
Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Political Influence
North: Opposed extending slavery, aiming for more free states to balance power
South: Sought expansion of slavery into new territories to maintain political power
Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Legislative Compromises *
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
Describe the regional differences over slavery and slave trade, Future Implications *
North: Growing abolitionist movements set the stage for future conflicts, leading to the Civil War
South: Committed to slavery, increasing national tensions
Process to amend the Constitution?
Two thirds of each house of Congress and three fourths of states must approve a change before it can take effect
Amendments
Only 27 have been approved in present time. Amendments are changes to the Constitution
Why did the Upper Chamber Senate make smaller states happy?
There are two senators per state, meaning equal representation among the states
Why did the Lower Chamber House of Representatives make larger states happy?
The larger states have more people and they’ll have more representatives which means more votes in Congress. (This equals more power)