US Government

Flashcards about the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

New Jersey Plan

Favored smaller states, equal representation of each state, one house in Congress (unicameral), kept more power with the states.

Connecticut Compromise

Combined the Virginia and New Jersey plans, creating two houses in Congress: a Senate with equal representation for all states (2 senators each) and a House of Representatives based on population.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement where every 5 enslaved people counted as 3 for the population total, giving the South more representation in the House of Representatives.

Articles of Confederation

A system of government with a weak central government, no power to collect taxes, and one branch of government.

Constitution

A system of government with a strong central government, the power to collect taxes, and three branches (Judicial, Legislative, Executive).

Weakness of Articles of Confederation

States acted separately, set tariffs, and taxed one another, highlighting the weaknesses such as no power to tax, no national army, and no control over trade.

Shays' Rebellion

Farmers rebelled over high taxes and debts, showing the government couldn't keep order and scaring leaders into action, revealed weakness of Articles.

Why Change Was Needed (Articles of Confederation)

States acted like separate countries, no way to settle disputes between them, the economy was struggling, and people wanted a stronger national government.

The Constitutional Convention (1787)

Held in Philadelphia with 55 delegates from 12 states (Rhode Island did not attend), originally meant to revise the Articles but decided to write a new Constitution.

Big States vs. Small States Debate

Big states wanted more power based on population, while smaller states wanted equal say, leading to the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787)

Farmers revolted in Massachusetts protesting economic hardships and the lack of a strong central government.

Economic Struggles under the Articles

States had their own currencies and trade restrictions, causing instability; the national government had no power to resolve economic issues or address national debt.

Legacy of the Articles of Confederation

Helped inspire the creation of a more balanced Constitution that provided both a strong central government and protections for states' rights.

Articles of Confederation Structure and Powers

No executive, no judiciary, unicameral congress. Congress couldn't tax, regulate trade, or raise an army. Each state had one vote, with 9/13 needed to pass laws and unanimous consent for amendments.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the US, governing the country from 1781 to 1789, but ultimately proved ineffective.

Key features of the Articles of Confederation

A Unicameral Legislature (one branch), the Continental Congress, with each state having one vote, regardless of its population. No executive branch (no president) and no judicial branch.

Key Features of the Articles: Power of Congress

Congress could declare war and make peace, form alliances and sign treaties, coin money, establish post offices.

Limitations of the Articles; Weak National Government

No power to tax, no power to regulate trade, no executive or judicial branch, required unanimous consent for amendments.

Annapolis Convention (1786)

A meeting of 12 delegates from five states (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia) that called for a constitutional convention to revise the Articles of Confederation.

The Virginia Plan

Proposed a strong central government with three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) and representation in Congress based on population, favoring larger states.

Federalists

Supported the new Constitution; believed in a strong central government for national unity and stability.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the Constitution; feared a strong central government would threaten states' rights and individual liberties.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to persuade the public to adopt the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms such as speech, religion, and the press.