Articles of Confederation
What was the nation’s first plan of government called?
The Articles of Confederation
Who led the rebellion in Massachusetts in 1786–1787?
Daniel Shays
What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
To fix or replace the weak Articles of Confederation.
Who were the Federalists?
Supporters of the Constitution and a strong national government.
What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights
Why couldn’t Congress collect taxes under the Articles?
It had to ask states for money, and states often refused.
What caused the farmers to rebel?
High taxes, heavy debt, and losing their farms.
Who is known as the “Father of the Constitution”?
James Madison
Who were the Anti-Federalists?
People who feared a strong central government and wanted a Bill of Rights.
What freedom does the 1st Amendment protect?
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
What was one major weakness of the Articles when it came to defense?
Congress could only request troops—it couldn’t force states to send soldiers.
Why couldn’t the national government stop the rebellion?
It had no army or money under the Articles of Confederation.
What did the Great Compromise create?
A bicameral Congress: House of Representatives (population) and Senate (2 per state).
Why did Anti-Federalists demand a Bill of Rights?
To protect individual freedoms from government power.
What amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures?
4th Amendment
What did Shays’ Rebellion show about the national government?
It was too weak to protect citizens or keep order.
What did the Three-Fifths Compromise decide?
Enslaved people counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation.
What issue caused tension between Northern and Southern delegates at the Convention?
Slavery and representation.
What does the 6th Amendment guarantee?
A speedy, public trial and the right to a lawyer.
What did the lack of a national currency lead to?
Confusing trade and economic instability between states.
What major event did Shays’ Rebellion lead to in 1787?
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
What did the Fugitive Slave Clause require?
Escaped enslaved people had to be returned to their owners, even if they reached free states.
Which leader was a strong Federalist and helped write the Federalist Papers?
Alexander Hamilton
Which amendment says powers not given to the federal government belong to the states?
10th Amendment