Flashcards: The U.S. Constitution & Articles of Confederation

Q: What were the Articles of Confederation?

A: The first constitution of the U.S., ratified in 1781.

Q: What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?

A: To create a national government after independence while protecting state sovereignty.

Q: What were the key weaknesses of the Articles?

A: No power to tax or regulate trade.

Q: What could Congress do under the Articles?

A: Raise an army and navy.

Q: What could Congress not do under the Articles?

A: Enforce laws, collect taxes, or regulate trade.

Q: What was the Virginia Plan (1787)?

A: Representation based on state population or financial contribution.

Q: What was the Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)?

A two-house legislature — one based on population (House) and one with equal representation (Senate).

Q: What does the Legislative Branch do?

A: Makes laws.

Q: Who were the Federalists?

A: Supported a strong national government.

Q: Who were the Anti Federalists?

A: Opposed strong federal power; wanted protection for individual rights.

Q: What is the Bill of Rights?

A: The first 10 amendments protecting individual liberties (speech, religion, due process, etc.).

Q: When did the Constitution go into effect?

A: 1789.

Q: What is the significance of the U.S. Constitution?

A: It established the framework for the U.S. government still used today.

Q: Compare the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

• Articles: Weak central gov.., states had most power.

• Constitution: Strong central gov., shared powers, ability to tax and regulate trade.

Q: What were the key compromises at the Constitutional Convention?

A: Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, Great Compromise, Three Fifths Compromise.

Q: What was the main debate between Federalists and Anti Federalists?

A: Strong national government vs. protection of individual rights.

Articles Ratified

1781

Constitution Written

1787

Constitution Ratified

1788

Government in Effect

1789

Bill of Rights Added

1791