Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

Flashcards about the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and early U.S. history.

What document, created by the Continental Congress, outlines the creation of our government, with Congress as the single branch?

The Articles of Confederation (A.O.C.)

What were two significant weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Too much power to the states; Could not raise taxes or enforce laws.

Name three powers that Congress had according to the Articles of Confederation.

Make treaties, declare war, conduct foreign affairs, maintain an army and a navy, coin money, establish post offices

Name three powers that Congress lacked according to the Articles of Confederation.

Elect a president, enforce laws, tax the states or the people, raise money by collecting taxes.

What was the Land Ordinance of 1785?

A system for surveying and dividing up the western territory.

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 establish?

The Northwest Territory and a system for admitting new states into the Union.

What economic problems, including closed ports and high tariffs, did the U.S. face under the Articles of Confederation?

Britain closing ports to US ships, hurting trade and imposing high tariffs.

What economic problems, including the inability to export goods, did the U.S. face under the Articles of Confederation?

Spain closing the lower Mississippi River, preventing farmers from exporting goods.

What is inflation, and why was Congress unable to stop it under the Articles of Confederation?

Increased prices for goods and services combined with the reduced value of money; Congress had no power to stop states from issuing more paper money.

What is a depression, and what factors contributed to one in the U.S. under the Articles of Confederation?

A period of low economic activity combined with a rise in unemployment; Loss of trade with Britain combined with inflation.

What was the cause of Shay's Rebellion?

Heavy taxation of farmers in Massachusetts.

What was the outcome of Shay's Rebellion?

State troopers put down the rebellion; many were sentenced to death.

What did Shay's Rebellion highlight about the Articles of Confederation?

The national government could not help the states in times of need.

What was the main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?

VA wanted a strong national government, 3 branches of government to tax and enforce laws . NJ did not want a strong central government. More power to the states.

What is the Great Compromise?

House of Representatives and Senate; Bicameral Legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation (2 per state).

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise about?

Whether or not slaves should be counted towards the population.

What was the resolution to the Three-Fifths Compromise?

3 out of 5 slaves counted towards the state's population.

Why was the Constitution written?

Because the Articles of Confederation were weak, and to establish checks and balances within the government.

What are the three main sections of the U.S. Constitution, and what is the purpose of each?

The preamble (the introduction), The Articles (the structure and powers of the government), and The Bill of Rights/Amendments (the rights of citizens).

What does the term 'Federalism' mean?

Shared power between the federal government and the states.

What did the anti-federalists want added to the constitution?

The Bill Of Rights to protect individual rights.

Why was George Washington elected as the first President of the USA?

Military leader, Leader of the Continental Army, founding father, and has a lot of experience.

Define the term 'Precedent'.

Sets many standards that future presidents follow.

What were some precedents set by George Washington?

Farewell address, only serving 2 terms, staying neutral.

What did George Washington warn the American people about in his farewell address?

Political parties and alliances (staying out of European or foreign affairs).

Who was Alexander Hamilton?

Secretary of Treasury

What did Alexander Hamilton believe was the solution to fix the financial troubles of the US?

National bank