U.S. Constitution: Articles, Federalism, and Key Compromises

us history

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, creating a loose alliance of states with a weak central government.

What was a major influence on the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles were influenced by Native American governance, particularly the Iroquois Confederacy, and ancient Greek political ideas.

What was the main issue with the federal government under the Articles of Confederation?

The federal government had no power to tax, leading to significant debt and inability to fund its operations.

What was Shay's Rebellion?

Shay's Rebellion was an armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices and the inability to pay debts.

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

The Constitutional Convention aimed to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and create a new governing framework.

Who is known as the 'architect of the Constitution'?

James Madison is known as the 'architect of the Constitution' for his pivotal role in its drafting and promotion.

What was the Virginia Plan?

The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population and a strong national government.

What was the New Jersey Plan?

The New Jersey Plan was a proposal for a unicameral legislature where each state would have one vote, maintaining equal representation.

What was the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for each state.

What was the 3/5 Compromise?

The 3/5 Compromise counted each slave as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

What were the main objections of the Anti-Federalists?

Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution due to the lack of a Bill of Rights, fear of a powerful executive branch, and concerns over the potential for a standing army.

What was the Federalist stance on the Constitution?

Federalists supported the new Constitution and a stronger federal government, arguing it would provide stability and protect individual rights.

What was the significance of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to protect individual liberties and address Anti-Federalist concerns.

What did the term 'Republican motherhood' refer to?

Republican motherhood emphasized the role of women in educating their children to be virtuous and active citizens.

How did the Constitution address the issue of slavery?

The Constitution included compromises that protected slavery, such as the 3/5 Compromise and guarantees for the return of escaped slaves.

What was the outcome of the ratification process for the Constitution?

The Constitution required ratification by nine of the thirteen states to become effective, leading to significant debate and opposition.

What were the Federalist Papers?

The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay advocating for the ratification of the Constitution.

What was the role of state governments during the formation of the Constitution?

State governments created their own constitutions, often with different structures and requirements for governance.

What was a key feature of state constitutions during this period?

Most state constitutions included a bicameral legislature, with an upper house and a lower house.

What was the significance of the Massachusetts education mandate?

Massachusetts mandated education, reflecting the importance of informed citizenship in a republican government.

What was the concern regarding the military in the new Constitution?

There was a fear of a standing army being used against citizens, leading to debates about military power in the new government.

What did the term 'federalism' refer to in the context of the new government?

Federalism refers to the division of power between the national and state governments.

What was the primary fear regarding majority rule during the Constitutional Convention?

Delegates feared the 'tyranny of the majority,' where the majority could oppress minority rights.