U.S. Constitution and Early Government: Key Concepts and Figures

What is the name of the Constitution written in 1777?

The Articles of Confederation

Who primarily wrote the Articles of Confederation?

John Dickinson

When was the Articles of Confederation adopted and ratified?

Adopted in 1777 and ratified in 1781

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What issue delayed the ratification of the Articles of Confederation?

Maryland refused to approve it until western lands were given to Congress.

How many branches of government did the Confederation have?

Only one branch — a unicameral legislature (Congress).

What type of representation did each state have under the Confederation?

Each state had one vote, regardless of population or size.

What were the executive departments established under the Confederation?

Departments for Foreign Affairs, War, Marine, and Finance, with Finance being the most important.

Who served as the Superintendent of Finance under the Confederation?

Robert Morris

What was Robert Morris's plan for the Confederation's economy?

To create a national bank and allow Congress to collect a 5% import tax.

What was the outcome of Robert Morris's economic plan?

It failed because the states would not give up taxation power.

What was the Newburgh Conspiracy?

A potential military uprising by unpaid officers in 1783.

How did George Washington stop the Newburgh Conspiracy?

He appealed to the officers' honor and loyalty.

How did American independence affect trade policy?

America lost access to British markets and trade protections.

How did America attempt to increase trade after independence?

By expanding trade with France, the West Indies, and China, but it was only partially successful.

Who controlled the western lands after the states ceded their claims?

The national government (Congress).

What was the main source of revenue for the Confederation?

Land sales, which were unreliable due to the time needed to survey and sell land.

What did the Land Ordinance of 1785 accomplish?

It divided land into townships of 36 square miles, sold in sections.

What was the purpose of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

To organize the Northwest Territory and set up a system for territories to become states.

What was banned in the Northwest Territory according to the Northwest Ordinance?

Slavery

What was the controversy surrounding tariffs under the Confederation?

Each state controlled its own tariffs, leading to trade conflicts and no unified economic policy.

What is inflation and who prefers it?

Inflation is when prices rise and money loses value, helping debtors.

What is deflation and who prefers it?

Deflation is when prices fall and money gains value, helping creditors.

What triggered Shays' Rebellion?

A crisis in deflation that left farmers unable to pay debts.

What was the outcome of Shays' Rebellion?

It was suppressed but highlighted the weaknesses of the Confederation.

Which state did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention?