The Articles of Confederation
What was the name of the first constitution of the United States?
The Articles of Confederation
What was the primary goal of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?
To create a stronger national government.
Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?
The Legislative Branch
What purpose does the preamble serve in a document?
An introduction
Which amendment protects the "five freedoms," including speech, religion, and press?
The 1st Amendment.
Under the Articles of Confederation, who held the most power?
The States.
The "Great Compromise" was a combination of which two competing plans?
The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
Which branch is led by the President and enforces the laws?
The Executive Branch
How many specific goals are listed in the Preamble?
Six
What does the 2nd Amendment protect?
The right to bear arms
What 1786 event in Massachusetts proved that the central government was too weak to maintain order?
Shays' Rebellion.
Which agreement determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxes?
The 3/5 Compromise.
Which branch interprets the laws?
The Judicial Branch
Which goal in the Preamble refers to keeping peace and order within the United States?
Insure domestic Tranquility
What is a warrant?
A legal document required to search a person's property
How many branches of government existed under the Articles of Confederation?
One (The Legislative Branch)
Which plan proposed representation based off of population
The Virginia Plan
Who is the leader of the executive branch?
The President
Which goal refers to protecting the country from foreign enemies?
Provide for the common defense
Which amendment protects citizens from "cruel and unusual punishment" and excessive bail?
The 8th Amendment.
Name one major strength and one major weakness of the Articles.
Strength: declare war, negotiate w/ foreign countries and Native American tribes and nations, settle disputes between states, borrow money, regulate the army, and manage the post office.
Weakness: lacked the authority to tax or to regulate commerce, could not require men to join the Continental Amry, lacked the power of the purse- the power to raise and spend money which kept it weak and subjectv to the states
Why was the 3/5 Compromise so important to Southern states?
It increased their population count, giving them more representatives and political power in Congress.
What are the two bodies of Congress called?
The House of Representatives and The Senate
What is the final goal mentioned in the Preamble regarding the future?
Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
What does the 10th Amendment say about powers not specifically given to the federal government? Who do they belong to?
They belong to the states or the people.