Articles of Confederation
What are the six main weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation
Who were the Federalists
Those who supported the Constitution and a stronger national republic.
What is the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution
The preamble sets the stage for the Constitution. Its an introduction to the highest law of the land. it is not the law. It does not define government powers or individual rights.
Who were the Anti-Federalists
They opposed the ratification of the United States Constitution.
How did the Constitution fix some of the weaknesses in the articles of Confederation
By allowing the central government certain powers/rights.
What occurred during Shay's Rebellion
Uprising in western Massachusetts in opposition to high taxes and stringent economic conditions.
What were the Federalists viewpoint on ratifying the constitution
A more robust national government with greater powers was necessary to unite the individual states and create a stronger country.
What is the significance of "We the People"
A way of emphasizing that the power of the government came from the people themselves, rather than from any external source such as a monarch.
What were the Anti-Federalists viewpoint on ratifying the constitution
They feared that the new national government would be too powerful and thus threaten individual liberties.
What is the first step to amend the U.S. Constitution
A two-thirds vote of both Houses of Congress.
Why did the Articles of Confederation need to be replaced
Congress commanded little respect and no support from state governments anxious to maintain their power.
What are the Federalists Papers
A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison
Which goal in the preamble of the U.S. constitution states that government should work to make things better for everyone in the U.S.
"promote the general welfare”
What are the Anti-Federalists Papers
A selection of the written arguments against the US Constitution.
What is the second step to amend the U.S. Constitution
Three-fourths of the states ratify the proposed amendment.
Why did the Articles of Confederation need revision
The states disputes over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade threatened to tear the country apart.
Did Federalists want a Bill of Rights
The Federalists opposed including a bill of rights on the ground that it was unnecessary.
Which goal in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution states that the freedom should be protected now and for future generations
"secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity”
What was to be added for the Anti-Federalists to ratify the Constitution
A Bill of Rights.
What is the Supremacy Clause
It establishes that the federal constitution, and federal law generally, take precedence over state laws, and even state constitutions.
What was the most important effect of replacing the Articles of Confederation
The creation of the three branches of government. The executive, legislative, and judicial.
Was James Madison a federalist or anti federalist
What does the word ordain mean
To state officially.
Why did the Anti-Federalists want a bill of rights to be added to the Constitution
A supremacy clause in combination with the necessary and proper and general welfare clauses would allow implied powers that could endanger the peoples rights.
Why did the founding fathers make it difficult to amend the constitution
They believed that a long and complicated amendment process would help create stability in the United States.