Review of the Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the Articles of Confederation to the amendments of the U.S. Constitution, including important events and figures.

Articles of Confederation

An agreement among the 13 original states of the United States that served as its first constitution.

Six Responsibilities of States

States had to provide funds, send troops when requested, comply with acts of Congress, treat citizens of other states fairly, surrender fugitives from justice, and open travel and trade between states.

Congressional Powers

Congress had no power to tax, could not regulate trade, lacked an executive branch, could not enforce the Articles, and needed unanimous agreement from all states to amend the document.

Joint Meeting of States (1786)

A gathering called in Annapolis to address issues related to the Articles of Confederation.

Shay's Rebellion

A rebellion led by Daniel Shays to protest the economic injustices and lack of payment for soldiers' back pay.

Virginia Plan

Proposed representation in Congress based on population, favoring large states.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed equal representation in Congress for all states, favoring small states.

Great Compromise

Resolved the debate between large and small states regarding representation in Congress.

3/5ths Compromise

An agreement that counted enslaved persons as 3/5 of a person for the purpose of state population.

Branches of Government

The three branches of government are Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

Amendment

A formal change or addition made to a legal document, such as a constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.

13th Amendment

The amendment that banned slavery in the U.S.

14th Amendment

The amendment that established citizenship and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

The amendment that guaranteed former slaves and all male citizens the right to vote.

18th Amendment

The amendment that banned alcohol, also known as prohibition.

19th Amendment

The amendment that granted women the right to vote.

21st Amendment

The amendment that repealed prohibition.

22nd Amendment

The amendment that set term limits for the president.

26th Amendment

The amendment that lowered the voting age to 18.