Constitution Study Guide

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, created in 1781.

Northwest Ordinance

Law that established a government for the Northwest Territory

Shays’ Rebellion

Rebellion by farmers that wanted to be paid for their service in the army

Constitution

Fundamental set of laws and beliefs that establishes the structure and rules for how a country, state, or organization is governed

Bicameral

Having two branches

Unicameral

Having one branch

Virginia Plan

To make the amount of representatives that each state gets based on population (larger states wanted this)

New Jersey Plan

To make the amount of representatives each state gets equal for all states no matter the population (smaller states wanted this)

Alexander Hamilton

He was a US military officer and a founding father of the US. He was a key federalist.

James Madison

He was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father of the US. He was a key federalist and became the 4th US president.

Federalist

The federalists were pro constitution and they wanted to have a very strong federal government that has more power than the state governments.

Anti-Federalist

The anti-federalists were anti-constitution because they wanted a bill of rights first.

Ratify

To accept a law or laws into the government.

Strengths of the Articles of Confederation

Land distribution (this is the only strength)

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

No Taxing Power - No Money

Inflation

Tariff Wars

Jealousy and Quarreling Among States

Foreign Affairs in Shambles

Disrespect from Other Countries

Shay’s Rebellion, 1787