APUSH quiz 5

Articles of Confederation

Definition: The Articles of Confederation were the first written constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781. This document established a confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government. Significance: The Articles created a framework for governance but proved ineffective due to the lack of a strong federal authority. This led to economic difficulties and challenges in maintaining order, prompting calls for a stronger national government.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Definition: The Land Ordinance of 1785 was a law that established a systematic process for surveying and selling land in the Northwest Territory. Significance: This ordinance was significant as it encouraged westward expansion and provided a method for the federal government to generate revenue through land sales, which was crucial for the nation's economy.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Definition: The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 outlined the process for admitting new states to the Union from the Northwest Territory and established a government for the territory.Significance: This ordinance was vital for setting a precedent for the orderly expansion of the United States and included provisions for the protection of civil liberties and the prohibition of slavery in new territories.

Shays' Rebellion

Definition: Shays' Rebellion was an armed uprising in 1786

Virginia Plan

Definition: The Virginia Plan was a proposal presented at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that called for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature based on population.Significance: This plan aimed to create a more robust federal structure, reflecting the interests of larger states and influencing the debate over representation in Congress.

New Jersey Plan

Definition: The New Jersey Plan was an alternative proposal at the Constitutional Convention that advocated for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, regardless of size. Significance: This plan represented the interests of smaller states and emphasized the importance of preserving state sovereignty within the federal framework, leading to the need for compromise.

Great Compromise

Definition: The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was an agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with both proportional and equal representation.Significance: This compromise balanced the needs of both large and small states, allowing for the creation of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which remains the structure of Congress today.

Three

Fifths Compromise

Commercial Compromise

Definition: The Commercial Compromise was an agreement during the Constitutional Convention that allowed Congress to regulate commerce and levy tariffs but prohibited export taxes. Significance: This compromise aimed to balance the interests of northern states, which wanted federal control over trade, and southern states, which feared economic repercussions, thereby facilitating the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists

Definition: Federalists were supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong national government and the ratification of the document.Significance: Their push for a centralized government was instrumental in shaping the early political framework of the United States, leading to the establishment of a more effective system of governance.

Anti

Federalists

Federalism

Definition: Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and individual states.Significance: This structure allows for a balance of power, enabling states to maintain certain rights while the federal government manages national concerns, fostering a unique political landscape in the United States.

Separation of Powers

Definition: The separation of powers is a governance model that divides the responsibilities of government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Significance: This principle ensures that no single entity holds excessive power and creates a system of checks and balances that is fundamental to the functioning of the U.S. government.

Bill of Rights

Definition: The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, which guarantee individual liberties and rights. Significance: This document was crucial in addressing Anti