Articles to Constitution
What document served as an early but less powerful version of the Constitution of the United States?
The Articles of Confederation
Who is often called the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison
What amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?
First Amendment
What major event demonstrated that Washington's government could enforce federal law? (Hint: Alcohol)
The Whiskey Rebellion
What war between the United States and Britain lasted from 1812 to 1815?
The War of 1812
What rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Shays' Rebellion
What kind of Congress did the "Great Compromise" create?
A two-house Congress with representation based on population in one house and equal representation in the other.
What amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
Fourth Amendment
Why did Washington warn Americans about political parties?
He feared political parties could create division and put party interests above the interests of the country.
Who was the Native American leader who attempted to unite Native nations against American expansion, and allied with the British during the War of 1812?
Tecumseh
Name two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Any two: weak national government, no power to tax, no power to regulate interstate commerce, no executive branch, no national court system, difficult amendment process.
Why did William Paterson oppose representation based entirely on population?
He feared large states would dominate small states.
What constitutional amendments provide important protections for people accused of crimes?
5th-8th Amendments
What controversial laws during John Adams's presidency restricted certain political speech and affected immigrants?
The Alien and Sedition Acts
How did the War of 1812 contribute to American nationalism?
Americans developed a stronger sense of national identity after fighting Britain again, despite the war's mixed military results.
Why did Shays' Rebellion convince many Americans that the national government needed to be stronger?
The national government could not effectively respond to the rebellion because it lacked the power and resources necessary to maintain order.
Why did George Mason argue that the Constitution needed a Bill of Rights?
He feared the new national government could violate individual liberties without explicit protections.
What principle divides government power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Separation of powers/Checks & Balances
What was historically significant about the election of 1800?
It resulted in the peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another.
Why is the period after the War of 1812 sometimes called the "Era of Good Feelings"?
The Federalist Party declined and national political divisions temporarily appeared less intense, although major disagreements still existed.
What was the major difference between the government created by the Articles of Confederation and the government created by the Constitution?
The Constitution created a stronger national government with executive, legislative, and judicial powers, including powers such as taxation and regulation of commerce.
What compromise dealt with the issue of slavery and representation in Congress?
The Three-Fifths Compromise. (The Dirty Compromise)
What Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
What contradiction existed between Jefferson's belief in States Rights and the Louisiana Purchase?
Jefferson generally favored states rights, but the Constitution did not explicitly give the president the power to purchase such a large territory. But he did it anyway.
What did the Missouri Compromise accomplish, and what larger problem did it fail to solve?
It kept the balance between Free States and Slave States. However, the North was quickly abolishing slavery, but the South was expanding it.