Social Studies - Forming a Government facts

Test date: Friday 12/12

Two reasons why historians consider the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 an accomplishment for the Articles of Confederation government.

1. Slavery was banned

2. Education was provided

What writings influenced America’s ideas about government?

The English Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and ideas from the Enlightenment from people like John Locke

Why did Daniel Shays lead a rebellion? Why is Shay’s rebellion considered a significant event in America’s history?

The government was taxing land and taking away citizens’ property when they couldn’t afford the taxes.

It made leaders re-think the government. Since they could barely stop the rebellion, it made them realize that they needed a stronger government.

What problems did America have with Spain and Great Britain in the 1780’s?

Spain closed off the lower Mississippi river to U.S. shipping which caused detriment to American trade.

Britain put tariffs on goods of American merchants when selling their products in Britain.

What were three weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

-Most power held by the states

-Only one branch of government (congress)

-No system of checks and balances

What were three ways that the Constitution strengthened the national government?

-Most power was held by national government

-Had three branches of government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial)

-Firm system of checks and balances

What was the Great Compromise?

Stated that congress would have two houses (House of Reps and Senate). The Senate would have two representatives for each state. The House of Representatives would have their number of reps based on population of states.

Why were some Americans opposed to the Constitution?

The Constitution didn't have a part that guaranteed individual rights of citizens. In other words, there wasn’t a Bill of Rights. They thought that the government would become too powerful under the new Constitution.

Name two ways that the House of Representatives is different from the senate.

House of Representatives has reps based on population, meanwhile, the Senate reps are two per state. The House of reps is 2 year terms, while the Senate has 6 year terms.

What is one way that one branch of government can limit the power of another branch?

The president can veto laws that Congress attempts to pass.