The United States Constitution

The inability of the national government to tax and unify the states led to what?

Shays rebellion

What was held in Philadelphia to discuss ways to strengthen the power of the national government

Constitutional convention

How was the new constitution different from the Articles of Confederation

1. It gave more power to the national government
2. It had 3 branches of gov’t rather than 1 weak'
3. Congress can tax; national gov’t would have a president and a supreme court

Compromise 1a: What was the Virginia plan

1. A bicameral house
2. Larger states had more representatives
3. Adding a president as a national leader

Compromise 1b: New Jersey Plan

1. A unicameral congress
2. states are equally represented
3. no president

The Great Compromise

1. bicameral congress
2. Senate has 2 reps from each state
3. House of representatives determined by state population

Compromise 2: What was the 3/5 compromise

3/5 of slaves would be counted towards representation in the House of representatives

Compromise 3: How did the North & South compromise in regards to slavery?

Slave trade could continue for 20 years and runaway slaves would be returned to slave masters

What is popular sovereignty

The people have power by voting for leaders

What is limited government?

Even though the national government was stronger, citizen’s liberty was still protected

What is federalism

the national government shares power with the state government

What is the supremacy clause?

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land

What is the legislative branch

Congress (House of representatives + Senate) can make laws, declare war, create taxes

What is the elastic clause?

Gives congress implied powers to make laws seen as “necessary & proper”

What is the Executive branch?

The president enforces the laws passed by Congress; oversees the bureaucracy

What is the judicial branch?

The only court mentioned in the Constitution is the supreme court

What did federalists believe in?

Supported ratification of the constitution; Hamilton and Madison authored Federalists papers

What did anti-federalists believe in?

Against ratification; wanted Bill of Rights