History 135 Final (U.S Constitution)

U.S Constitution

Shays’ Rebellion

(1786–1787) An armed uprising of Massachusetts farmers led by Daniel Shays. Exposed weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and pushed leaders toward creating the Constitution.

Articles of Confederation and Issues

(1781–1789) First U.S. national government framework. Created a weak federal government—no power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws—leading to national instability.

Philadelphia Convention

(May–September 1787) Meeting of delegates to revise the Articles but instead draft the Constitution. Produced the U.S. Constitution and a stronger federal structure.

Article I, II, and III

(Written in 1787, effective 1789) Parts of the Constitution creating the three branches:

• Article I: Legislative branch (Congress)

• Article II: Executive branch (President)

• Article III: Judicial branch (Supreme Court)

Establish separation of powers and checks and balances.

Three-Fifths Compromise

(1787) Agreement counting enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation. Balanced political power between Northern and Southern states; reinforced slavery’s political role.

The Coup of Article VII

(1787) Nickname for how Article VII bypassed unanimity under the Articles by allowing the Constitution to take effect with 9 of 13 states. Enabled adoption of the Constitution despite expected opposition.

Federalists

(1787–1789) Supporters of the Constitution and a strong central government. Led effort for ratification and shaped early U.S. governance.

Anti-Federalists

(1787–1789) Opponents of the Constitution who favored strong state governments. Their concerns prompted the addition of the Bill of Rights.

Federalist Papers

(1787–1788) 85 essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay promoting ratification. Explained constitutional principles and influenced public opinion.

Ratification Debates

(1787–1788) State discussions on whether to approve the Constitution. Determined the fate of the new government structure.

Bill of Rights

(Proposed 1789, ratified 1791) First ten amendments guaranteeing individual liberties. Helped secure ratification and protect personal freedoms.