Articles of Confusion
Under the Articles of Confederation, most political power was held here.
What are the states?
To be or not to be a strong federal government was the core debate between the Federalists, who wanted it, and this group that feared a new monarchy.
Who are the Anti-Federalists?
Alexander Hamilton supported the creation of this financial institution, while Thomas Jefferson argued that the Constitution did not give the federal government the power to create it.
What is the National Bank?
This principle gives citizens the right to vote for representatives who make laws on their behalf.
What is republicanism?
This event doubled of the size of the US and gave the nation an important trading port...and was probably illegal.
What is the Louisiana Purchase?
The national government could not do this under the Articles, making it difficult to raise money and pay its debts.
What is taxation?
For the Constitution to be, delegates had to settle the dispute between large and small states over representation through this compromise.
What is the Great Compromise?
This 1794 uprising against a federal tax tested the new government's ability to enforce its laws.
What is the Whiskey Rebellion?
This principle divides power between the national government and state governments.
What is federalism?
This 1807 law stopped most American trade with foreign nations to pressure Britain and France, but it backfired and severely hurt the American economy.
What is the Embargo Act of 1807?
This branch of government did not exist under the Articles of Confederation, meaning there was no leader to enforce national laws.
What is the executive branch?
For the Constitution to be, delegates reached this compromise over how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation.
What is the Three-Fifths Compromise?
These controversial laws passed by the Federalists limited immigration and restricted criticism of the government.
What are the Alien and Sedition Acts?
This principle divides the powers of the national government among three branches.
What is separation of powers?
This Supreme Court case helped establish the principle of judicial review, giving the Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
Often considered the greatest success of the Articles of Confederation, this law created a process for territories to become states with republican governments.
What is the Northwest Ordinance?
For the Constitution to be or not to be ratified, this was eventually added to secure the support of its opponents.
What is the Bill of Rights?
Written in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, these documents argued that states could challenge unconstitutional federal laws.
What are the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions?
This principle allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.
What are checks and balances?
Also known as the Elastic Clause, this part of the Constitution gives Congress the power to make laws needed to carry out its expressed powers.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
This 1786–1787 uprising by Massachusetts farmers exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and convinced many leaders that changes were needed.
What was Shays' Rebellion
This collection of 85 essays—written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay—urged citizens to let the new Constitution "be."
What are the Federalist Papers?
This bitter presidential contest resulted in Thomas Jefferson defeating John Adams and marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in U.S. history.
What is the Election of 1800?
This principle means that the government's power comes from the people.
What is popular sovereignty?
In this final message to the nation, George Washington warned Americans about the dangers of political parties and permanent foreign alliances.
What is Washington's Farewell Address?