Disagreements and Challenges
Following the American Revolution, what did Congress fear about a strong central government?
They feared a powerful leader could take away rights people had fought for.
What did the Great Compromise decide?
It provided 2 houses, one for state senate representatives and one that would represent the people so normal citizens would have a say in government.
What significant event did Shays Rebellion lead to?
It made nationalists re-go-over the Articles of Confederation in search of support and made citizens worry that the nation they fought so hard for was falling apart. It lead to the gathering of delegates in Philadelphia.
What was the original purpose of the convention in May 1787?
To address the problems of the weak central government and decide how to govern it.
What describes a republic?
A form of government in which normal citizens represent and govern themselves
What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
The congress did not have the power to enforce taxes
How is the president elected?
A special body called the electoral college voted and decided who the government's leaders were going to be.
What was the position of the group known as the Federalists?
They supported the proposed constitution
The Land Ordinance of 1785 was created to deal with what land?
The Appalachian Mountains
What describes a federal system of government?
Same territory is controlled by 2 forms of government, unlike smaller states who govern themselves and address local issues.
What was the greatest challenge for the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?
It was to determine how powerful their government would be and how it would affect people and their rights.
What compromises emerged from the Constitutional Convention?
The 3 major compromises were “the great compromise”, “the electoral college” and “the 3 fifths compromise.”
What was James Madison’s role in creating the Constitution?
It was his idea to assemble delegates in Philadelphia. He was also the most prepared delegate and had such a big influence he would later be called “ father of the constitution.”
What did both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans have in common?
The three branches: a legislative( to make laws) , executive (carry out laws),and a judicial (interpret laws)
What was the greatest concern of the opponents to the Constitution?
They were more concerned about having an overpowered government, their states paid the price.
What was accomplished by the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
Land distribution, ended slavery in those territorys, and gave everybody equal rights
How are the number of members of the Senate and House of Representatives decided respectively?
2 senators per state and the population chooses who they want to represent them in the house of representatives.
Why did some states want their slaves to be counted when determining representatives for the House of Representatives?
They wanted more representatives and a bigger population so as a compromise they counted slaves ⅗’s of a person.