Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention Key Concepts

Who wrote the Articles of Confederation?

John Dickinson

When were the Articles of Confederation accepted by Congress?

1781

What is considered the First National Constitution?

The Articles of Confederation

Why did people fear a powerful central government?

They were scared to have a single person with all the power after fighting a war against that.

What did the Articles of Confederation do regarding state governments?

They limited the power of the national Congress.

What was one positive outcome of the Articles of Confederation?

The Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed.

What did the Northwest Ordinance do?

It assisted in the orderly expansion of the United States and outlined a plan for applying for statehood.

What was required for a territory to start a government under the Northwest Ordinance?

5,000 free males who own 50 acres.

How many people were needed to apply for statehood under the Northwest Ordinance?

A population of 60,000.

What did the Northwest Ordinance promise?

No slavery, education, freedom of religion, and trial by jury.

Which states were formed from the Northwest Territory?

Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

What was a major flaw of the Articles of Confederation?

Congress had no power to raise taxes.

What was another flaw of the Articles of Confederation?

Congress had no power to regulate foreign or state trade.

How many states had to approve laws under the Articles of Confederation?

9 of 13 states.

What was Shays' Rebellion?

A rebellion by farmers in Massachusetts against debt and lack of representation.