Unit 6: A New Nation - Key Concepts and Historical Details

Constitutional Convention of 1787

The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia to replace the Articles of Confederation, which were too weak. The new plan for government became the United States Constitution.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

The Northwest Ordinance created a system for admitting new states to the Union. It also guaranteed basic rights and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Commerce Clause

The Commerce Clause gave Congress the power to regulate trade between states and with foreign nations.

Key Delegates

George Washington presided as president of the Convention. James Madison was the 'Father of the Constitution.' Alexander Hamilton supported a strong federal government and helped write the Federalist Papers. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate and promoted compromise.

Bill of Rights Debate

Some states feared a strong central government might limit individual liberties, so they demanded a Bill of Rights.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Under the Articles, Congress could NOT levy taxes or regulate commerce.

Federalists vs. Anti‑Federalists

Federalists believed in a strong central government and trusted elected representatives to prevent tyranny. Anti‑Federalists worried that a strong government would take away individual rights and demanded a Bill of Rights.

Economic Problems for Farmers

After the American Revolution, many farmers had to pay debts, which they did not have. This led to uprisings such as Shays's Rebellion.

Republicanism

Republicanism is the idea that people elect representatives to make decisions in government.

Shays's Rebellion

Farmers protested high taxes and the threat of losing their farms.

Hesitation to Ratify

This hesitation led to the creation of the Bill of Rights.

Native American Groups

The groups most affected first by settlers moving west were the Cherokee and the Iroquois.

Three‑Fifths Compromise

The Three‑Fifths Compromise benefited Southern states by allowing them to count enslaved people for representation.

Electoral College

The Electoral College was created as a compromise between election by popular vote and election by Congress.

Washington's Admin

Two priorities were establishing a strong federal government and maintaining national security.

Washington's Cabinet

Attorney General: Edmund Randolph, Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War: Henry Knox.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or the people.

State Constitutions

Most state constitutions had a weak executive branch.

Enforcing Laws

The executive branch carries out laws.

Bill of Rights Purpose

The Bill of Rights protects individual liberties.

Washington's Precedents

One precedent was the establishment of a Cabinet. It mattered because it set a standard for future presidents.

Madison's Argument

Madison said the Articles were ineffective, so the Constitution only needed to be ratified.

First Amendment

One First Amendment freedom important to me is freedom of speech. It affects my life because it allows me to express my opinions freely.

Checks and Balances

One example is the presidential veto. This check is needed because it prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Great Compromise

Large states wanted representation based on population. Small states wanted equal representation. The House is based on population and the Senate has two representatives per state.