Building a Nation: The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution - Study Flashcards

A set of Q&A flashcards covering the Articles of Confederation, Shay's Rebellion, the Constitution, federalism, the Three-Fifths Compromise, and Federalist/Antifederalist perspectives.

What problems did the new government face under the Articles of Confederation?

Inability to tax, regulate commerce, or raise an army; no national executive or judiciary; Congress had limited powers and states retained sovereignty.

How did the federal government under the Constitution differ from the Articles in terms of structure?

The Constitution established a strong central government with three branches (legislative, executive, judicial), checks and balances, and federalism, plus a national judiciary and a chief executive.

Under the Articles, how many votes did each state have in Congress?

One vote per state.

What powers could Congress exercise under the Articles of Confederation?

To conduct war and foreign relations.

What powers were missing from Congress under the Articles?

Taxation, regulation of commerce, and the power to raise and fund an army.

Was there a national executive under the Articles of Confederation?

No.

Was there a national judiciary under the Articles of Confederation?

No.

Which event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles and spurred a call for a new government?

Shay’s Rebellion (1786).

What caused Shay’s Rebellion?

Massachusetts taxation policies that burdened farmers.

What did Shay’s Rebellion illustrate about the Revolution’s legacy?

Ordinary Americans’ perception that the Revolution did not guarantee effective governance and protection from fiscal pressures; revealed Articles’ weaknesses.

What are the key features of the Constitution (1787)?

Strong central government, three branches, checks and balances, federalism, plus a strong chief executive and a national judiciary.

Name some powers Congress has under the Constitution.

To tax, coin and borrow money, raise an army, and declare war.

What is federalism?

Division of power between the national government and the states.

What is the Three-Fifths Clause?

Enslaved people would be counted as three-fifths of a person for calculating representation in Congress.

In Virginia’s 1790 population data, how many enslaved people were recorded?

300,000 enslaved (White population: 440,000).

In Pennsylvania’s 1790 population data, how many enslaved people were recorded?

4,000 enslaved (White population: 430,000).

Why did Federalists support the Constitution?

They believed the Articles were too weak to promote trade or protect liberties, feared excesses of democracy, and trusted checks and balances to protect liberties; associated with wealthier/business classes.

Why did Antifederalists oppose the Constitution?

They feared tyranny, preferred a smaller republic with representatives close to the people, and demanded a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.