Structure of Government
What branch of government existed under the Articles of Confederation?
The legislative branch.
What major financial power did Congress lack under the Articles?
The powers to tax
What compromise created a two‑house Congress?
The Great Compromise (Or connecticut Compromise)
What rebellion showed the Articles were too weak?
Shays’ Rebellion.
Where did the Constitutional Convention take place?
Philadelphia
What system did the Constitution create to divide power between national and state governments?
Federalism
What power did the Constitution give Congress over trade?
The power to regulate interstate and international commerce.
Which plan favored large states with representation based on population?
The Virginia Plan.
Why couldn’t Congress enforce laws under the Articles?
There was no executive branch.
In what year did the Constitution replace the Articles?
1789
What major power did Congress not have under the Articles?
Power to tax
Under the Articles, who had most of the power: states or national government?
The states
Which plan favored small states with equal representation?
The New Jersey Plan.
Why couldn’t Congress settle disputes between states under the Articles?
There was no national court system.
What phrase begins the Constitution to show unity?
“We the People.”
What new branch did the Constitution create to enforce laws?
The executive branch
Under the Constitution, who had more power: states or national government?
The national government.
What compromise counted enslaved people as part of the population?
The Three‑Fifths Compromise.
Why was it almost impossible to change the Articles?
Amendments required all 13 states to agree.
What was the main goal of the Constitutional Convention?
To create a stronger national government.
How many houses did Congress have under the Articles?
One (unicameral).
What system divides power between national and state governments?
Federalism.
Under the Articles, how many votes did each state get?
One vote per state.
What problem did the Constitution fix by allowing majority rule in Congress?
The Articles’ requirement for 9 of 13 states to pass major laws.
What document was replaced by the Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation.