Articles of Confederation
Under the Articles of Confederation, Congress could not collect taxes or regulate trade.
How did the Constitution fix these problems, and why were those changes necessary?
The Constitution gave Congress the power to tax and regulate commerce, which allowed the federal government to pay debts, fund defense, and manage economic stability—something the Articles failed to do.
What issue did the Great Compromise resolve?
Representation in Congress (large vs. small states).
What principle of government means that the people are the source of all political power?
Popular sovereignty.
Catholics hold a convention downtown. Which amendment guarantees this right?
1st Amendment.
What was one major argument of the Federalists in favor of the Constitution?
The Articles were too weak to function effectively.
Which event showed that the Articles were too weak to maintain order and that framers needed to restructure the federal government?
Shays’ Rebellion.
Why were southern delegates willing to accept the Three-Fifths Compromise?
It increased their political representation in Congress.
The Magna Carta influenced which political idea included in the Constitution?
Due process of law.
Which amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures?
4th Amendment.
What was one key argument of the Anti-Federalists against ratification?
The Constitution did not include a Bill of Rights.
Why did the drafters of the Articles fear a strong central government?
They feared repeating the tyranny experienced under Britain.
According to James Madison, why should power be divided between different bodies of men?
To prevent any one group from abusing power (separation of powers).
What principle divides powers between state and national governments? 10th Amendment!!!
Federalism.
Which principle is reflected in the amendment that protects citizens from unfair government actions?
Due process / Limited government.
Why did George Mason, an Anti-Federalist, refuse to sign the Constitution?
He believed it lacked a Bill of Rights to protect citizens from government abuse.
Under the Articles, what approval was required for most congressional decisions?
Approval of 9 of 13 states.
What principle was reflected in Madison’s argument for dividing government powers?
Checks and balances / Separation of powers.
Which principle corrected the grievance “for suspending our own legislatures,” and how?
Separation of powers — gave Congress legislative authority instead of a single ruler.
A journalist is arrested for publishing articles that criticize the president.
Which constitutional guarantee protects the journalist?
Freedom of the press (1st Amendment).
George Mason argued that the Constitution gave the national government too much power.
How does his argument reflect the Anti-Federalists’ main concern about the new government?
Anti-Federalists feared a strong central government would threaten individual and state rights, so they demanded a Bill of Rights.
How did the Constitution address one weakness of the Articles related to trade and taxation?
Gave Congress the power to regulate commerce and levy taxes.
What concern caused George Mason to refuse to sign the Constitution?
It lacked a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.
How does federalism still prevent tyranny today?
State and federal governments check each other —for example, states can challenge federal laws in court.
A journalist arrested for criticizing the government could claim protection under which amendment, and why?
1st Amendment – protects free speech and free press.
Which principle from the Constitution did both Federalists and Anti-Federalists claim to support, though they interpreted it differently?
Federalism (balance between national and state governments).