Articles of Confederation
What was America's first national government established under?
The Articles of Confederation
What was the territory north of the Ohio River called after states surrendered their western land claims?
The Northwest Territory
Which 1786 meeting resulted in a call for another convention to revise the Articles?
The Annapolis Convention
What do we call a government run by elected representatives who are accountable to voters?
A republic
How many states had to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect?
Nine
What is a close alliance of sovereign states called?
A confederation
Which 1785 law divided western land into townships for settlement and sale?
The Land Ordinance of 1785
What proposal called for a three-branch federal government and representation based on population?
The Virginia Plan
What principle means that governmental power ultimately comes from the people?
Popular sovereignty
What were supporters of ratification called?
Federalists
What term describes a legislature with only one house?
Unicameral
What were proceeds from one lot in each township intended to help fund?
Public schools
What type of legislature has two houses?
Bicameral
What principle divides government power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches?
Separation of powers
What were opponents of ratification called?
Anti-Federalists
What financial weakness prevented Congress from reliably paying its debts?
Congress could not impose national taxes
Which ordinance established the process for western territories to become states?
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Why did small states oppose the Virginia Plan?
It favored larger states with greater representation
What principle allows one branch of government to restrain another branch?
Checks and balances
What essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay defended ratification?
The Federalist Papers
What uprising revealed weaknesses of the Articles and strengthened calls for a stronger national government?
Shays' Rebellion
What did the Northwest Ordinance prohibit in the Northwest Territory?
Slavery
Why were Southern states concerned about giving Congress power over trade?
They feared Congress could tax exports or interfere with the slave trade
What principle divides power between the federal government and the states?
Federalism
What major protection did opponents argue the Constitution lacked?
A bill of rights