Articles of Confederation
It successfully managed the Northwest Territory through the Northwest Ordinance.
What was one strength of the Articles of Confederation?
An agreement to create a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House.
What was the Great Compromise?
The idea that the government's authority comes from the people.
That is popular sovereignty.
The legislative branch
Which branch of government makes laws?
Voting in elections
What is one responsibility of a U.S. citizen?
The national government could not levy taxes.
What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
It determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would count for representation and taxation.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
The sharing of power between the national and state governments.
What is federalism.
The executive branch
Which branch of government enforces the laws?
Freedom of speech.
What is one right guaranteed by the Constitution?
To avoid a strong central government like Britain's monarchy
Why did the Articles give more power to the states?
To balance the election of the president between Congress and the popular vote.
Why was the Electoral College created?
Dividing government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
What does "separation of powers" mean?
The judicial branch.
Which branch of government interprets the laws?
The Bill of Rights.
What document outlines the rights of U.S. citizens?
Negotiating the treaty of Paris in 1783.
Name one accomplishment of the Articles of Confederation?
The Slave Trade Compromise, which allowed the trade to continue until 1808.
What compromise settled disputes over the slave trade?
Checks and balances
What principle prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful?
The President, Vice President, and Cabinet.
Who is part of the executive branch?
Participating in civic duties such as voting, serving on juries, and staying informed.
What does it mean to be an active citizen?
Shays' Rebellion
What showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It created a stronger federal government with the power to tax, regulate trade, and enforce laws.
How did the Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Individual rights.
Which principle ensures individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech?
By overriding a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote
How can the legislative branch check the executive branch?
Rule of law.
What principle guarantees that laws apply equally to all citizens?