Unit 1.4 Challenges of the Articles of Confederation

These flashcards cover key concepts relating to the challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation, the events leading to Shays' Rebellion, and the subsequent call for a Constitutional Convention.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, effective in 1781, which established a union of independent states.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; in the context of the Articles, each state retained its own sovereignty.

Federal government

The national government of the United States, which the Articles of Confederation limited in power.

Revenue

Income that the government receives from taxes and other sources, which the Articles of Confederation did not sufficiently provide for.

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787, led by Daniel Shays, protesting economic injustices and the inability of farmers to pay debts.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, in this case, the national and state governments.

Courthouse

The building where legal cases are heard, which became targets during Shays' Rebellion.

Constitutional Convention

A gathering in 1787 where delegates met to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and draft the new U.S. Constitution.

Ratification

The official way to confirm something, usually by vote; in this case, it refers to the approval process of the Constitution.

Inflation

A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money; a problem faced due to the underfunding of the national government.