Declaration of Independence
Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
What was America’s first form of government called?
The Articles of Confederation
In what year was the Constitution written?
1787
What was the main purpose of the Federalist Papers?
To persuade states to ratify the Constitution
In what year was the Bill of Rights ratified?
1791
What three natural rights are listed in the Declaration?
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
How many branches of government existed under the Articles?
One branch (Congress)
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Who wrote most of the Federalist Papers?
Alexander Hamilton
Which amendment protects freedom of speech and religion?
1st Amendment
Which Enlightenment philosopher most influenced Jefferson’s ideas?
John Locke
What 1786–87 event exposed the weaknesses of the Articles?
Shays’s Rebellion
What issue did the Great Compromise settle?
Representation in Congress
What did the Anti-Federalists fear about the Constitution?
That it gave too much power to the federal government
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches?
4th Amendment
What was the main purpose of the “List of Grievances”?
To show how the king violated colonists’ rights
Why couldn’t Congress raise an army or collect taxes under the Articles?
It had no power to tax or enforce laws
What clause makes federal law the highest law in the nation?
The Supremacy Clause
What promise helped secure ratification of the Constitution?
Adding a Bill of Rights
Which amendment abolished slavery?
13th Amendment
According to the Declaration, governments derive their power from what?
The consent of the governed
What lasting lesson did the Articles teach the framers?
The need for a stronger central government
What principle divides power between the national and state governments?
Federalism
What did Federalist 10 argue was the best way to control factions?
A large republic with representation
Which amendment guarantees equal protection under the law?
14th Amendment