The Articles of Confederation
What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
To establish a framework for the national government after Independence.
What does "popular sovereignty" mean in the context of the Constitution?
The government's power comes from the consent of the governed.
Who were the Federalists?
Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government.
How many amendments make up the Bill of Rights?
Ten amendments.
What precedent did George Washington set during his presidency?
He established the tradition of a two-term limit for Presidents.
What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
The federal government could not impose taxes.
What is meant by "checks and balances"?
A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful.
What was the main concern of the Antifederalists?
They feared that a strong national government would threaten individual rights.
What does the First Amendment protect? Name them all.
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
How did George Washington view political parties?
What were they?
He believed they were detrimental to national unity and warned against them in his Farewell Address.
Democratic Republicans and Federalists
Which event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to the Constitutional Convention?
Shays' Rebellion.
Define "limited government".
A government whose powers are restricted by law.
Name one prominent Federalist.
Hamilton/Madison
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
The Fourth Amendment.
What significant event occurred during John Adams' presidency regarding foreign relations?
The XYZ Affair.
How many states needed to approve amendments to the Articles of Confederation?
13
What is federalism?
The division of power between national and state governments.
What document did the Federalists write to promote the ratification of the Constitution?
The Federalist Papers.
What right does the 7th Amendment guarantee?
The right to jury trial in civil cases in federal court
John Adam's attempted to limit criticism of the government by passing the
Alien and Sedition Acts
What did the Articles of Confederation create regarding the structure of the government?
A unicameral legislature with limited powers.
Explain the principle of "separation of powers".
Dividing government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
How did the debate between Federalists and Antifederalists influence the Constitution?
It led to the addition of the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
Explain the significance of the 10th Amendment.
If not enumerated in the constitution the States retain the power.
What was Hamilton's financial plan?
Fund the National debt, creation of a national bank, and protective tariffs.