Articles of Confederation
Define due process.
Fair treatment through the judicial system; government must follow rules.
What were the 4 parts of the Northwest Ordinance?
Banned slavery, public education, new states, protected civil liberties.
Federalists believed what about the Constitution?
Strong federal gov’t needed — supported ratification.
Name the 7 principles.
Popular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, checks & balances, limited government, individual rights.
Legislature’s job?
Makes laws.
European influences?
Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Enlightenment thinkers (Locke, Montesquieu)
Strengths of Articles of Confederation?
Won the Revolution, could make treaties, passed Northwest Ordinance.
Virginia Plan favored who?
Large states — representation based on population.
Goal of the Federalist Papers?
Persuade states to ratify the Constitution.
Why can the Constitution be amended?
To adjust for changes over time.
Executive’s job?
Enforces laws.
Colonial influences?
Mayflower Compact, Virginia House of Burgesses, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut.
Weaknesses of the Articles?
No power to tax, no executive, weak military, states had too much power.
New Jersey Plan favored who?
Small states — equal representation.
Anti-Federalists believed what?
Feared strong gov’t; wanted more states’ rights.
1st Amendment rights?
Speech, religion, press, assembly, petition.
Judicial’s job?
Interprets laws.
Constitution’s response to British quartering troops?
3rd Amendment — no forced housing of soldiers.
Why was the federal government intentionally weak?
Americans feared another strong, abusive government like Britain.
What was the Great Compromise?
Bicameral Congress: Senate = equal representation; House = population.
Why did Anti-Federalists demand a Bill of Rights?
To protect individual rights from government abuse.
Trial rights protected by which amendments?
5th–8th Amendments.
Legislature check example?
Override veto; impeach.
Constitution’s response to unfair trials?
6th Amendment — fair, speedy trials by jury.
What was Shays’ Rebellion’s effect?
Showed the Articles were too weak → led to the Constitutional Convention.
What was the 3/5th Compromise?
Enslaved people count as 3/5 toward population & taxes.
Example of a Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist leader?
Federalist: Hamilton / Anti-Federalist: George Mason or Patrick Henry
What does due process protect us from?
Unfair government actions — protects the accused.
Judicial check example?
Declare laws or actions unconstitutional (judicial review).
What is the most important civic duty in a republic?
Voting!