Articles of Confederation
What was the main purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
To establish a framework for a national government during and after the Revolutionary War.
Who was unanimously elected as the chairperson of the Constitutional Convention?
George Washington
What is federalism?
A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states).
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution that outline individual rights.
What major power did Congress lack under the Articles?
The power to regulate commerce and collect taxes.
What was the main disagreement regarding representation at the Convention?
Whether representation in Congress should be based on population or equal representation for each state.
How did the Constitution seek to limit the power of the federal government?
By establishing a system of checks and balances and dividing powers among branches.
How many amendments make up the Bill of Rights?
Ten amendments.
What was required for amending the Articles of Confederation?
A unanimous vote from all 13 states.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
An agreement that counted each enslaved individual as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
What are the three branches of government established by the Constitution?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
Which amendment protects the freedom of speech?
The First Amendment.
What was the structure of government established by the Articles?
A unicameral legislature with each state having one vote.
What was the Commercial Compromise?
It allowed Congress to regulate interstate and foreign commerce but prohibited export taxes.
How does the system of checks and balances work?
Each branch has powers that can check the actions of the others to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
What does the Second Amendment protect?
The right to keep and bear arms.
What were two major accomplishments of Congress under the Articles?
Negotiating the Treaty of Paris and passing the Northwest Ordinance.
What was promised to the Anti-Federalists to gain their support for ratification?
The addition of a Bill of Rights.
What role does the Electoral College play in the presidential election?
It is a body of electors that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
To address the concerns of Anti-Federalists about the lack of individual rights protection.