History Matching Quiz

Articles of Confederation (in effect 1781–1789)

The first U.S. government, still in use after independence ended in 1783. It created a weak national government that gave most power to the states and struggled to solve national problems.

Benjamin Franklin

An elder statesman and delegate at the 1787 Constitutional Convention who encouraged compromise between large and small states.

Checks and Balances

A new idea debated in 1787 as part of the Constitution, ensuring that no branch of government would have too much power.

Confederation

A loose union of states with limited central authority; the system used under the Articles of Confederation before the Constitution.

Daniel Shays

A Massachusetts farmer and former Revolutionary soldier who led a rebellion (1786–1787) against taxes and debt, showing how weak the national government was under the Articles.

Executive Branch

Under the Articles (1783–1788), there was no national executive; debates in 1787 centered on how to create a strong but limited president.

Federalism

A new system proposed in 1787 that would divide power between national and state governments, replacing the loose confederation.

George Washington

Retired from the army in 1783, but in 1787 he was chosen to preside over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

James Madison

Secretary. Introduced Virginia plan -> 2 House Legislature, where people elect Lower House. Lower House elects Upper House. Representation per population in Congress

Judicial Branch

Under the Articles, there was no national court system; the 1787 Convention proposed a federal judiciary to interpret laws and settle disputes.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Law passed by Congress under the Articles, setting up a plan for dividing and selling western lands to raise money for the government.

Legislative Branch

The only branch under the Articles of Confederation (Congress), but in 1787 delegates debated creating a stronger two-house legislature.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Law that set up a government for the Northwest Territory and created a process for admitting new states; also banned slavery there.

Republic

The United States was considered a republic during this time, governed by elected representatives under the Articles.

Republicanism

The belief that government power should come from the people through elected representatives; guided debate during the 1787 Convention.

Rhode Island

Refused to send delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, opposing a stronger national government.

Roger Sherman

Delegate from Connecticut who proposed the Great Compromise at the 1787 Convention, which lead to Bicameral Legislature
-Lower House -> states represented by population. Each slave counted as 3/5 of a free person. Upper House -> states should be represented, equally with 2 members a piece.

Shays’ Rebellion

(1786–1787)A violent protest by Massachusetts farmers against taxes and debt; proved the Articles were too weak to maintain order.

The Constitution

(drafted 1787, ratified 1788)Created in Philadelphia to replace the Articles of Confederation; established a stronger federal government with three branches.

The New Jersey Plan

(1787)Plan from smaller states proposing equal representation for each state in Congress.

The Virginia Plan

(1787)Plan from larger states proposing representation based on population.

Thomas Jefferson

Serving as U.S. minister to France (1784–1789); supported a republic based on liberty and states’ rights during debates over the new Constitution.

William Paterson

Delegate from New Jersey who presented the New Jersey Plan at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. NJ Plan