Basics
What the “Articles of Confederation” was and what # Government it was for the U.S.
The Articles of Confederation served as the written document that established the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain. It was the first version of the U.S. government.
What the Constitutional Convention itself was
The constitutional convention began as the Philadelphia convention, and was originally meant to be an assembly to revise the articles of Confederation. However, the convention would become a means of creation for an entirely new government for the USA.
The Ratification of the Constitution…what that means!
The signing of the Constitution.
What did the Virginia plan call for?
Three separate branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
Explain the set up/structure of this 1st Government (5 things about it)
Any country can join the states if admitted. Every state has to follow the rules of the confederation. The U.S. gains Freedom and Independence from Great Britain. Union between all states. 9 out of the 13 states had to agree on a decision for it to be passed.
Who/what the “Framers” were
The framers were the delegates who attended the Philadelphia convention. Many of them had fought in the revolutionary war, and were considered to be outstanding individuals.
Who the Federalists and Antifederalists were (some names of people that were each)
The federalists wanted the Constitution to be ratified while the anti-federalists opposed the ratification of the Constitution. Federalists include Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. Anti-federalists include Amos Singletary and Patrick Henry.
How were the members of the Lower House and the House of Representatives elected
They were to be popularly elected in each State
What the powers of Congress and States were under the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation had the power to declare war, appoint military officers, sign treaties, make alliances, appoint foreign ambassadors, and manage relations with Indians.
Who was opposed to the VA Plan and why
Smaller states opposed the Virginia plan because Bigger states would have dominated the smaller ones in congress due to proportional(to the states population) representatives
What the positions/ideas were for the Federalists and the Antifederalists
The federalists said that the Articles of Confederation was too weak and that creating a new government based on the Constitution would fix problems the Republic faced. Anti-federalists feared that Congress would become too powerful, and the states would no longer have the power to print money.
How were those of the upper house(the Senate) put in power
They were to be chosen by the House from lists of persons nominated by the State legislatures
Weaknesses of this first National Government-Articles of Confederation (5 of them)
Congress had no power to coin money, States were unable to impose taxes. No national court system was established to protect the rights of U.S citizens, no executive branch to enforce laws. One vote per state no matter the population, amendments were added only with the approval of all 13 states.
Explain one of the two compromises that saved this new form of government...the Connecticut Compromise
The Connecticut compromise: The compromise proposed that Congress should be composed of two houses. In the smaller Senate, the States would be represented equally. In the House, the representation of each State would be based upon its population.
How many States ratified the Constitution
9 states
What is a major thing Virginia plan would do regarding the constitution
The Virginia plan would create a new constitution by thoroughly revising the Articles
Explain one of the two compromises that saved this new form of government...the 3/5ths Compromise
Three-fifths of the non-free people would be counted as part of that state’s population.
Where was the first temporary capital and who became the 1st President under the new Government
The first temporary capital was located in New York City. The first president was George Washington.
What extra power would congress have with the Virginia plan?
Congress would gain the power “to legislate in all cases to which the separate States are incompetent” to act, to veto any State law in conflict with national law, and to use force if necessary to make a State obey national law.