Articles of the Confederation
What was the first government of the United States?
The Articles of Confederation.
What did Shays' Rebellion demonstrate about the national government?
It was too weak to maintain order.
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
How many states needed to ratify the Constitution?
Nine states.
What compromise created a bicameral Congress?
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise).
What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
No power to tax
Why did Shays' Rebellion occur?
Farmers were protesting high taxes and lack of economic relief.
What does the system of checks and balances do?
It allows each branch to limit the powers of the others.
Who were the supporters of the Constitution?
Federalists
How did the Great Compromise resolve the debate between large and small states?
It established a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation.
How many states needed to agree to amend the Articles?
13 states (unanimous consent).
What did it prove was necessary for the U.S. government?
A stronger national government.
What is federalism?
The sharing of power between the national and state governments.
What was the main concern of the Anti-Federalists?
A too-powerful national government.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
It counted three-fifths of the enslaved population for representation and taxation.
What fear did the Founding Fathers have about a new government?
They feared creating another tyrannical government.
Who was the leader of Shays' Rebellion?
Daniel Shays.
How does the Constitution divide power?
By establishing three separate branches.
What do the Bill of Rights protect?
Individual liberties.
What did the Constitutional Convention aim to address?
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
What structure did Congress have under the Articles?
One vote per state, regardless of size.
What year did Shays' Rebellion take place?
1786
What is the supreme law of the land?
The Constitution.
What is the significance of the 1st Amendment?
It protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.
Which state proposed the Virginia Plan?
Virginia.