Challenges of the Articles of Confederation & Ratification of the US Constitution

What was the Articles of Confederation?

The first government of the US established in 1777, set up as a loose union of sovereign states.

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation regarding military power?

There was a lack of a centralized military; each state was responsible for maintaining its own militia.

What event highlighted the ineffectiveness of the Articles of Confederation?

Shay's Rebellion in Massachusetts (1786-1787) demonstrated the national government's ineptitude and the need for a stable central government.

What was the consequence of the absence of an executive branch under the Articles of Confederation?

There was no single authority for enforcing laws, leading to widespread tax evasion and financial difficulties for the central government.

How did the lack of a national court system under the Articles of Confederation affect the states?

It led to inconsistencies and conflicting rulings among states, undermining central authority.

What power was not granted to the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?

The power to regulate interstate commerce, leading to trade disputes and economic conflicts between states.

What issue arose from each state issuing its own currency under the Articles of Confederation?

Inconsistent currency values and widespread counterfeiting highlighted the need for a national currency.

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

Originally intended to amend the Articles of Confederation, it turned into a meeting to draft an entirely new document.

Who were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

Federalists supported a stronger central government, while Anti-Federalists were skeptical of such power.

What was the Great Compromise?

It established a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate.

What was the Electoral College?

A mechanism devised during the Constitutional Convention to elect the President, balancing state influence and popular will.

What was the ⅗ Compromise?

It determined that each enslaved person would count as ⅗ of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

What was the significance of postponing the ban on the importation of enslaved persons?

It was a compromise that prohibited Congress from interfering with the international slave trade until 1808.

What was the Bill of Rights?

A series of amendments adopted to safeguard individual rights and limit government encroachment.

What essential freedoms does the Bill of Rights guarantee?

It guarantees freedoms such as speech, religion, press, and the right to bear arms, along with protections against cruel punishment and unreasonable searches.

What are the two methods for proposing constitutional amendments?

1) A ⅔ vote in both houses of Congress; 2) A request from ⅔ of state legislatures for a convention.

What is required for the ratification of constitutional amendments?

Approval by ¾ of the states, either through state legislatures or state conventions.

What contemporary issue relates to government surveillance?

The tension between national security and individual privacy rights, particularly after the 9/11 attacks.

What concerns have arisen regarding the USA PATRIOT Act?

Concerns about potential infringement on civil liberties and the balance between national security and individual rights.

What ongoing debate exists regarding public education?

The balance between federal and state powers in setting curriculum standards, funding allocation, and education policy.

What does the debate over public education highlight?

The tension between centralized decision-making for uniformity and localized control for flexibility.