The Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention

These flashcards cover the key concepts regarding the Articles of Confederation, their limitations, and the subsequent Constitutional Convention.

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first constitution of the United States before the current constitution established in 1789.

When were the Articles of Confederation created and ratified?

Created in 1777 and ratified in 1781.

What type of government did the Articles of Confederation aim to create?

A government that was opposite of the English Monarchy, resulting in a limited federal government.

What branch of government did the Articles of Confederation establish?

The Legislative Branch.

What was required to change the Articles of Confederation?

Unanimous consent from all 13 states.

How many states were needed to pass a law under the Articles of Confederation?

9 out of 13 states.

What treaty was passed under the Articles of Confederation that ended the Revolutionary War?

The Treaty of Paris (1783).

What did the Northwest Ordinance establish?

It outlined how to expand west and manage new land acquisitions.

What event led to the realization that the Articles of Confederation needed to be abandoned?

Shays Rebellion.

What were some limitations of the Articles of Confederation?

Could not raise taxes, create a national military, have a national court system, or a chief executive.

When did the Constitutional Convention occur?

In 1787.

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

To create a stronger central government and draft the current U.S. Constitution.

Why did framers want a stronger central government?

A weak central government made it difficult to accomplish necessary tasks.

Who were some key figures at the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington, James Madison, and Ben Franklin.

Which state did not attend the Constitutional Convention?

Rhode Island.

How did the framers decide the number of representatives in Congress?

The Great Compromise established a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation for all states.

What is the Great Compromise?

A plan to provide a balanced power between large and small states in Congress.