Unit 3: From the Articles to the Constitution Flashcards
Why was Shay’s rebellion significant?
It demonstrated the need for a stronger central government.
What is Federalism?
The system of shared power between the national gov. and the states.
Which plan was mainly supported by the smaller, less populated states?
The New Jersey Plan.
Who were some Anti-Fed leaders?
Sam Adams and Patrick Henry
What is one part of the Great Compromise?
A 2 house legislature with one house based on equal and the other house based on population.
Why was the Great Compromise adopted?
To settle differences over representation in Congress.
How was the Constitution different from the Articles of Confederation?
The Constitution created a national gov. that had three branches.
What was originally stated in the Constitution?
Federal judges were appointed by the president, not elected by the people.
VA Delegate
Father of the Constitution and writer of the VA Plan
James Madison
PA Delegate
Older Member
Chief Diplomat
Ben Franklin
NY Delegate
Believer in strong central gov.
Author of many Federalist papers
Alexander Hamilton
VA Delegate
Chairman of the Convention
Most respected individual
George Washington
What were key weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? (7)
- Congress cannot tax
- States regulate their own trade
- Congress had to ask states for soldiers
- No Chief Executive or President
- 9/13 states needed to approve laws
- No national court decision
- Congress cannot regulate currency
What happened after Congress couldn’t tax?
There was no income to pay off debts
What happened after states couldn’t regulate their own trade?
There was uneven prosperity between states–jealousies
What happened after Congress had to ask for soldiers?
The national was vulnerable to invasion
What happened after there was no Chief Executive or President?
Lack of leadership and no unity
What happened after 9/13 of the states needed to approve laws?
It was nearly impossible to pass laws
What happened after there was no national court system?
Disputes between states went unresolved
What happened after Congress couldn’t regulate currency?
Mass printing of money made it worthless
What were the successes of the AofC? (Winning Independence - 4)
- Appointed Washington Commander
- Created an Alliance w. France
- Prohibited slavery in NW territory
- Negotiated Treaty of Paris
What were the successes of the AofC? (Organization of New Lands - 4)
- Process to statehood (1785)
- NW Land Ordinance Law
- New states formed around the Great Lakes
- Orderly land sales that promoted public education
How was the AofC structured?
- The only Congress
- Each states get 1 vote
Describe the Land Ordinance of 1785 (5)
- Gov. needs $$ and has a lot of land to sell
- Land was divided into 6x6 sections and sold
- Section 16 was used for schools
- Farmers bought land
- 4 sections were held off
Describe the Northwest Ordinance (4)
- Process for statehood
- Population 5,000+ had their own gov. and Constitution
- Population 60,000+ could submit their Constitution for approval
- Newly created states banned slavery
What’s the order of the Gov. Plans?
Continental Congress (1 and 2), Articles of Confederation, US Constitution (1787-Now)