Module 6 Creation of the American National Government

What motion did the Continental Congress approve on June 11, 1776?

To declare independence and create a national government.

Who was the main author of the Articles of Confederation?

John Dickinson (a delegate that was from Pennsylvania)

When were the Articles of Confederation ratified?

Ratified by Congress on November 15, 1777; formally effective March 1, 1781.

What were the main features of the Articles of Confederation?

One national institution (Congress), no President, no national courts, states held power to tax, one vote per state, Congress controlled foreign policy, trade, coinage, and war.

Which article defined citizenship in the Articles of Confederation?

Article VI – “free inhabitants” of each state were citizens; no mention of color or gender.

Which article invited Canada to join the United States?

Article XI.

Why did Maryland delay ratifying the Articles?

Maryland demanded that Virginia give up its western land claims.

What rebellion highlighted weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation?

Shays’ Rebellion (1786–1787) in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays.

What was the most important law passed under the Articles?

Northwest Ordinance (1787) – organized territories north and west of the Ohio River, prohibited slavery there, encouraged education, protected rights, and regulated Native American relations.

What was the purpose of the Annapolis Convention (1786)?

To remedy defects of the federal government and address commercial issues; led to the Constitutional Convention.

When and where was the Constitutional Convention held?

May 25 – September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia.

Who were the key delegates at the Constitutional Convention?

ames Madison, George Washington, George Mason, Edmund Randolph (Virginia); Roger Sherman (Connecticut); John Dickinson (Delaware); Elbridge Gerry (Massachusetts); William Patterson (New Jersey); Alexander Hamilton (New York); Benjamin Franklin and Gouverneur Morris (Pennsylvania).

What was the Virginia Plan?

Proposed by Edmund Randolph (Madison’s work); called for a government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches and a two-house legislature based on population.

What was the New Jersey Plan?

Proposed by William Patterson; single-house legislature with equal votes per state, with power to tax and regulate trade.

What was the Great Compromise?

Created a bicameral legislature: House based on population, Senate with two members per state.

How did the Constitution address counting slaves for representation?

Three-Fifths Clause – counted each slave as three-fifths of a person.

How are members of Congress and the President elected?

House of Representatives – 2-year terms, directly elected; Senators – 6-year terms, chosen by state legislatures; President – Electoral College, 4-year term.

Who wrote the Preamble to the Constitution?

Gouverneur Morris.

What are the key principles of the Constitution?

opular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, limited government, protection of individual rights (Bill of Rights).

Who were Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

Federalists – supported ratification (Washington, Madison, Hamilton, Franklin); Anti-Federalists – opposed ratification, feared strong central government (Patrick Henry, James Monroe, George Clinton).

What are the Federalist Papers and who wrote them?

A series of 85 essays defending the Constitution, written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay under the name Publius.

What was the main concern addressed in Federalist No. 10?

Controlling factions (political parties) through a republican system.

What was the main argument in Federalist No. 51?

Importance of checks and balances to prevent any branch from dominating.

When was the Constitution ratified?

Ninth state (New Hampshire) – June 21, 1788; last state (Rhode Island) – May 29, 1790.