US Constitution Vocab

Articles of Confederation

First US government (1781-1789) with limited central power.

Land Ordinance of 1787

Organized division/sale of western land; reserved land for schools.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Law for governing new territories; banned slavery North of Ohio river.

Shays’ Rebellion

1786-87 Massachusetts farmer revolt.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting in Philadelphia; wrote constitution.

Great Compromise

Bicameral legislature: House (population) + Senate (equal).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted 3/5 of enslaved population for representation/taxes.

Federalists

Supported Constitution (Hamilton, Madison).

Anti-Federalists

Opposed Constitution without Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

85 essays defending Constitution.

Bill of Rights

First 10 Amendments (1791).

What was the historical significance of the Articles of Confederation?

Showed fear of tyranny; its weaknesses led to the constitution.

What was the historical significance of the Land of Ordinance 1785?

Precedent for public education and westward expansion.

What was the historical significance of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

Created model for statehood; first federal limit on slavery’s spread.

What was the historical significance of Shays’ Rebellion?

Exposed Articles’ weaknesses; led to Constitutional Convention.

What was the historical significance of the Constitutional Convention?

Created framework of modern US gov’t.

What was the historical significance of the Great Compromise?

Balanced small vs. large states.

What was the historical significance of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

Increased Southern political power; entrenched slavery.

What was the historical significance of the Federalists?

Advocated strong central gov’t; wrote Federalist Papers.

What was the historical significance of the Anti-Federalists?

Pushed for amendments protecting liberties.

What was the historical significance of the Federalist Papers?

Key documents interpreting framers’ intent.

What was the historical significance of the Bill of Rights?

Secured ratification; cornerstone of American freedoms.