Early Government
What was the nation’s first written plan of government called?
Articles of Confederation
Where was the Constitutional Convention held?
Independence Hall. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What were people who supported the new Constitution called?
Federalists
Which branch of government makes the laws?
Legislative Branch
What principle means that people rule through voting and participation?
Popular sovereignty
Under the Articles of Confederation, who had more of the power — the states or the national government?
The states... BIG ISSUE
What Federalist is known as the “Father of the Constitution”?
James Madison
What were people who opposed the new Constitution called?
Anti-Federalists
What is the introduction to the Constitution called?
The Preamble
What principle divides power between the national and state governments?
Federalism
What rebellion showed the national government was too weak under the Articles?
Shays' Rebellion
What was the main difference between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans?
Representation by population (VA) vs. equal representation (NJ)
What did the Anti-Federalists want added to the constitution to protect individual rights?
The Bill of Rights
What clause makes the Constitution the “supreme law of the land”?
The Supremacy Clause
What principle divides government into three branches?
Separation of Powers
What law set up a plan for dividing and selling land in the Northwest Territory?
The Northwest Ordinance
What compromise created a bi-cameral two-house Congress?
The Great Compromise
What series of articles was written in defense of the Constitution?
The Federalist Papers
How many articles are in the Constitution?
7
What principle ensures each branch can limit the powers of the others?
Checks and Balances
Name two major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
No power to tax; no executive power; no national courts; needed all states to amend, etc.
What agreement counted enslaved people as part of a state’s population for representation and taxation?
The 3/5 Compromise
Which group believed the Constitution gave the federal government too much power?
The Anti-Federalists
What process allows the Constitution to be officially changed?
The amendment process
What principle means everyone, including leaders, must follow the law?
Rule of Law