Creating Republican Governments, 1776-1790

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the creation of Republican governments in the United States between 1776 and 1790.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a weak central government.

Shays’ Rebellion

A 1786 uprising in Massachusetts led by farmers protesting economic injustices and lack of government response.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Legislation that established a government for the Northwest Territory and outlined the process for admitting new states.

Virginia Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a strong national government with representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a weaker national government with equal representation for states.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that created a bicameral legislature with both Senate and House of Representatives.

3/5 Compromise

A compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention that determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for representation.

Tariffs

Taxes imposed on imported goods, which were a contentious issue between states during the Confederation period.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Constitutional Convention

The meeting in 1787 where the U.S. Constitution was created, addressing issues arising from the Articles of Confederation.