Constitution and Constitutional Convention

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the Constitution and the events leading to its creation.

What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention in May 1787?

To create a constitution for a new government in the United States.

What major problem did the Articles of Confederation present?

There was no executive or judicial branch and states had different currencies and economic policies.

What was Shays' Rebellion?

A rebellion that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to the Constitutional Convention.

Who was unanimously selected to preside over the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington.

What is the significance of the Virginia Plan?

It proposed a strong national government with a bicameral legislature and representation based on population.

What did the New Jersey Plan propose in contrast to the Virginia Plan?

It maintained a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

What compromise was reached regarding representation in the legislature?

The Connecticut Compromise, which created a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

What was the purpose of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

To determine how enslaved individuals would be counted for representation and taxation.

What did the Federalists argue in favor of?

They supported the ratification of the Constitution, believing it would provide a strong national government.

What were the Anti-Federalists' main concerns regarding the Constitution?

They believed it granted too much power to the national government and lacked a Bill of Rights.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual rights.

How can amendments to the Constitution be proposed?

By two-thirds of both houses of Congress or by two-thirds of states.

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

That federal laws and the Constitution take precedence over state laws.

What is Popular Sovereignty?

The principle that government's power comes from the consent of the governed.

What are the three branches of government established by the Constitution?

Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.