US History Unit 2: Constitutional Foundations (1763 - 1824)

Flashcards reviewing key concepts, debates, compromises, precedents, and Supreme Court cases from Unit 2: Constitutional Foundations (1763–1824).

What major challenge did the American colonists confront after declaring independence from Great Britain?

The challenge of creating a stable federal republic.

What was the original stated purpose of the convention called in response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

To revise the Articles of Confederation (which instead resulted in writing a new Constitution).

What agreement did the Federalists make to resolve the ratification debate over the proposed Constitution?

They agreed to add a bill of rights to the Constitution.

What major areas of debate required compromises during the development of the Constitution?

Representation, taxation, and slavery.

What key constitutional principles define the structure, power, and function of the federal government created by the Constitution?

The division of power between federal and state government, the separation of powers at the federal level, the creation of checks and balances, the sovereignty of the people, and judicial independence.

What two central issues were debated between the Federalist Papers and the Antifederalist Papers?

The protection of individual rights and the proper size for a republic.

What two significant land ordinances were passed under the government of the Articles of Confederation?

The Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

What uprising exposed the structural, economic, and foreign policy weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation?

Shay's Rebellion.

What two plans for legislative representation were resolved by the Great Compromise?

The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.

What agreement resolved debates over representation and taxation concerning enslaved populations?

The 3/5s Compromise.

What are the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution called?

The Bill of Rights.

What presidential actions and precedents were established by George Washington?

Establishing a Cabinet, issuing the Proclamation of Neutrality, setting the Two Term Tradition, and delivering his Farewell Address.

What were the three central components of Alexander Hamilton's Financial Plan?

The National Bank, the Tariff, and the Assumption of State Debts.

What constitutional dispute arose between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton over the Financial Plan?

Strict versus loose interpretation of the Constitution, particularly concerning the Elastic Clause.

Which two political parties emerged from debates over Hamilton's economic plan and foreign policy?

The Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.

What European conflict formed the core of the early republic's foreign policy debate?

The French Revolution and the ongoing conflict between England and France.

What critical democratic tradition was established by the presidential election of 1800?

The tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.

How did the institutional resolution of the Election of 1800 differ from that of the Election of 2000?

The Election of 1800 focused on the roles of the Electoral College and Congress, whereas the Election of 2000 focused on the Electoral College and the Supreme Court.

What impact did the decisions of the Marshall Court have on the balance of governmental power?

They strengthened the powers of the federal government and reinforced federal supremacy.

What landmark principle was established by the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Marshall in Marbury v. Madison?

Judicial review.

Which two Supreme Court cases alongside Marbury v. Madison strengthened the principle of federal supremacy under the Marshall Court?

McCulloch v. Maryland (McCullough v. Maryland) and Gibbons v. Ogden.