The Articles of Confederation & The Constitution

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that established a weak central government.

Strengths of the Articles

Declare war, start an army, and borrow money.

Weaknesses of the Articles

Could not enforce treaties, couldn't raise taxes, no court system.

Cause of Shays's Rebellion

Farmers were being taxed unfairly.

Result of Shays's Rebellion

The court was burned down.

Purpose of the Constitutional Convention

To rewrite the Articles of Confederation and improve them.

Framers of the Constitution

The delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 who drafted and debated the U.S. Constitution.

James Madison

Recognized as the 'Father of the Constitution'.

The Great Compromise

Resolved the dispute between small and large states on representation by creating a bicameral legislature.

Bicameral

A legislative body consisting of two separate chambers.

Three-fifths Compromise

Agreement that counted ⅗ of the slave population for representation purposes.

Delegated Powers

Specific authorities granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, such as the power to coin money.

Reserved Powers

Powers not specifically granted to the national government and reserved for the states, such as controlling education.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both the federal government and state governments, such as the power to tax.

Federalists

Supported the Constitution, believing it was essential for government.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the Constitution, fearing it would threaten individual rights.

Reason for Anti-Federalists ratifying the Constitution

They were promised a Bill of Rights.

Legislative Branch

The branch responsible for making and passing laws.

Executive Branch

The branch responsible for enforcing laws.

Judicial Branch

The branch responsible for interpreting laws.