Articles of Confederation & Constitution

Flashcards about the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution.

What were some of the financial challenges faced by America under the Articles of Confederation?

The U.S. had substantial loan payments to the Dutch and France, but lacked the funds to pay them. Amendments to the Articles, including taxation, required unanimous approval, which was difficult to achieve.

What was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

It was an ordinance that allowed a territory in the Northwest to apply for statehood once its population reached 60,000 and prohibited the importation of new slaves north of the Ohio River.

What challenges did the U.S. face with expansion into the Western territory?

British troops remained stationed in western posts, Spain controlled the Mississippi River, and there were conflicts with Indian tribes resisting expansion.

What economic problems did the U.S. experience after the Revolutionary War?

Loss of slave labor in Virginia, the closure of the West Indies to American trade, and Britain's refusal to trade, though smuggling and trade with other countries helped to sustain the economy.

Why was American diplomacy difficult following the Revolutionary War?

European nations viewed America as a young and powerless nation, were fearful of the idea of a republic. This was compounded by issues with Britain in Canada and Spain over the Mississippi River.

What currency issues existed under the Articles of Confederation?

There was a currency shortage, and states began printing their own paper currency, leading to a lack of uniform currency and uncertain value.

What was Shays' Rebellion?

It was an uprising in Western Massachusetts led by Captain Daniel Shays, where farmers protested high taxes and foreclosures. The rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Confederation government.

How did Shays' rebellion show the weakness of the confederation government?

The Confederation government was unable to raise troops or provide funds to deal with the rebellion, which was ultimately put down by a private militia.

What was the initial purpose of the convention held in Philadelphia in 1787?

The initial purpose was to revise the Articles of Confederation.

Who proposed the Virginia Plan, and what were its key elements?

James Madison proposed the Virginia Plan, which included separate branches of government, a bicameral congress with proportional representation, a president named by congress, a national judiciary, veto power over state laws, and proportional representation.

What was the New Jersey Plan, and how did it differ from the Virginia Plan?

The New Jersey Plan, presented by William Patterson, sought to revise the Articles of Confederation and proposed equal representation in a unicameral congress, a plural executive, and congressional power to levy taxes and regulate commerce.

What was the Great Compromise?

It was a compromise on representation where the House of Representatives would be apportioned by population, and the Senate would have equal representation with two senators per state.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It was an agreement that slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.

How did the Constitution address the slave trade?

Congress was prohibited from banning the slave trade until 1808 but could place a tax of $10 per imported slave.

How is the president elected under the Constitution?

The president is elected indirectly by the Electoral College and serves a four-year term.

What are the powers of the president?

The powers of the president include appointing executive officials and federal judges (with Senate confirmation), serving as commander in chief of the armed forces, and vetoing congressional laws.

How does the system of checks and balances work in the U.S. government?

The system of checks and balances includes presidential vetoes of congressional laws, congressional override of presidential vetoes, Senate confirmation of presidential appointments, and judicial review (though not explicitly stated in the Constitution).

What are some of the powers of Congress under the Constitution?

Congress has the power to levy and collect taxes, regulate commerce, set rules for naturalization, declare war, and initiate tax and revenue measures in the House of Representatives.

How are senators chosen, and what are their term lengths?

Senators are chosen by state legislatures and serve six-year terms, with one-third of the senators being elected every two years.

What is the necessary and proper clause (elastic clause) in Article I, Section 8?

It grants Congress the authority to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its powers, allowing for the expansion of legislative power.

Who were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

Federalists supported the ratification of the Constitution, while Anti-Federalists opposed it, fearing a strong central government and advocating for a bill of rights.

What were the key arguments of the Federalists in favor of the Constitution?

Federalists argued that the separation of powers and checks and balances would prevent tyranny and that a strong central government was necessary for stability and prosperity.

What was the significance of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution and protects specific rights of the American people, such as freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms.