The Federal Constitution

Question 1

Articles of Confederation (1781)

Answer 1

• “League of Friendship” among states
• 13 states would join together to deal with common issues
• very weak form of government
• created 13 separate state governments more powerful than the federal government

Question 2

1789 - meeting in Philadelphia

Answer 2

• considered amending the articles

- later decided to create a brand new constitution

Question 3

Virginia plan

Answer 3

• favored large states

- representation in Congress would be based on population

Question 4

New Jersey Plan

Answer 4

• favored small states

- representation in congress would be based on equality

Question 5

the great compromise

Answer 5

• house of representatives = based on population
• the senate = every state has 2 senators
• 3/5 compromise = a slave would count as 3/5 of one person when counting a state’s population

Question 6

executive

Answer 6

• president of the united states
• veto power over legislation
• could appoint judges and domestic officials
• elected by the electoral college
• George Washington picked as first president

Question 7

bill of rights

Answer 7

• 1791 (after the constitution is passed in 1788)
• first 10 amendments to the constitution
• “freedoms”
• how the people are protected from the government

Question 8

remember this…

Answer 8

the US is one of few nations to still use the original constitution it created (over 200 years ago). the separation of powers (checks and balances) is admired throughout the world as a show of democracy in action

Question 9

the great compromise did all of the following except _____________

Answer 9

create and enforce our justice department