Articles of Confederation
What was the main strength of the Articles of Confederation?
It established a system for settling western lands through the Land Ordinance of 1785.
What is the Great Compromise?
It created a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between large and small states.
Who were the main authors of The Federalist Papers?
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual rights.
What was one major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
It did not give the federal government the power to tax.
What does limited government mean in the context of the Constitution?
The government has only the powers granted to it by the Constitution, protecting individual freedoms.
What was the primary argument of the Federalists?
They believed that a strong central government was necessary to maintain order and protect the rights of citizens.
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
To address the concerns of the Anti-Federalists and ensure the protection of individual liberties.
How did Shays’ Rebellion reflect the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
It showed that the federal government could not maintain order or respond to uprisings.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
It determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted for representation and taxation purposes.
What concerns did the Anti-Federalists have regarding the Constitution?
They feared that it gave too much power to the federal government and lacked protections for individual rights.
Which amendment protects the freedom of speech?
The First Amendment.
What was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
It provided a method for admitting new states to the Union and outlined the process for governance in the Northwest Territory.
Explain the concept of checks and balances.
It ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.
How did the Anti-Federalists propose to address their concerns?
They called for the addition of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
How does the Fourth Amendment protect citizens?
It protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
How did the Articles of Confederation influence public education?
The government promoted public education as part of the Land Ordinance, allocating land for schools.
What were the key features of the Federalist Papers?
They advocated for the ratification of the Constitution and explained the need for a strong central government.
What was the significance of the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
It highlighted the importance of balancing power and protecting individual rights within a government.
What impact has the Bill of Rights had on American society?
It has served as a foundation for civil rights and liberties in the United States, influencing legal decisions and societal norms.