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Origins of the Constitution
The Government that Failed
The Philadelphia Convention
Ratifying the Constitution
100
What is a Constitution?
A nation's basic law. It creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens.
100
The Articles of Confederation composed the first constitution of the United States, what did they establish?
It established a national legislature, known as the Continental Congress, but most of the authority rested with the state legislatures.
100
55 men attended the Philadelphia Convention, which state did not send any representatives?
Rhode Island.
100
What's the difference between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists?
The Federalists were the supporters of the constitution and the Anti-Federalists opposed it, these factions emerged during the time states were contemplating the constitution adoption.
200
What is the Declaration of Independence?
The D.O.I. is a document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against British monarch and declared their independence.
200
Which power was not granted to the government by the Articles of Confederation?
The power to collect taxes.
200
What major equality issue had to be addressed at the Convention?
If slaves were to be treated equally when determining state representation in legislation.
200
What is the bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments to the U.S. constitution. These amendments define basic liberties such as the freedom of; religion, speech, and press. Along with defendants' rights.
300
What peice of literature helped spark the ideas of revolution and independence, in the colonies?
Thomas Paine's, Common Sense pamphlets.
300
Who was the first president of the United States under the Articles of Confederation?
John Hanson. Eight men were appointed to serve one-year terms as president under the Articles of Confederation. Hanson, the first, began his term in 1781. His exact title was "President of the United States in Congress Assembled."
300
The New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan antagonized each other in respect to representation, in what way were they different?
The New Jersey Plan called for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of population, and the Virginia Plan called for representation based on the states population.
300
What type of government did the Anti-Federalists believe to be ideal?
A government with a strong state government and a weak national government, with direct election of officials.
400
What nation was the prime target for the colonists diplomacy, in order to combat Britain?
France, as they were involved in conflict with King George III.
400
What internal conflict demonstrated the need for a stronger government?
Shay's Rebellion.
400
What are some of the economic powers that were granted by the constitution?
The power to levy taxes, pay debts, borrow money, regulate coin value, and regulate commerce.
400
When was the United States Constitution written and ratified?
The U.S. Constitution is a document that was written in 1787 and ratified in 1788.
500
The Declaration of Independence drives it's foundations from which two prominent historical figures?
John Locke and Thomas Jefferson
500
Although it lacked control, what was one of the most important pieces of legislation passed under the Articles of Confederation?
The Northwest Ordinance-On July 13, 1787, the Congress established by the Articles of Confederation passed the Northwest Ordinance. This important piece of legislation established the process by which a territory could become a state.
500
The Constitution determined that officials had to be voted into office, however there was debate at the convention on who was allowed to participate in elections. The basic solution was universal male suffrage. The delegates could not agree on the requirements, therefore who did they say would determine these voting requirements?
The Convention delegates left the issue to the states. People who qualified to vote in state elections could also vote in national elections.
500
What was probably the most important doctrine in the constitution? (Controls Government Power)
The Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances