Chapter 7 Review
What basic American ideals were reflected in the first early state governments? Each state wrote its own Constitution which laid out the government for each state. After years of British rule, Americans were determined not to place too much power in the hands of one ruler. The state legislatures, and not the Governor held the power.
What was the structure and powers of the national government under the AOC? The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government; the states kept most of the power. Congress governed the country (there was no President!) Congress could: Make treaties Coin/borrow money
What were the weaknesses of the AOC What were the weaknesses of the AOC? What specific problems were created by these weaknesses? Congress could not Collect taxes Regulate (set rules for) trade with other countries Force states to carry out laws Most of the states could not pay off their debt from the Revolutionary War Farmers in Massachusetts couldn’t afford to pay taxes, so their houses were being taken away Shay’s Rebellion
Why did leaders call for a Constitutional Convention? People realized that the Articles of Confederation made the national government too weak and unable to help the people in times of emergencies. At first they wanted to revise the Articles, but soon realized that they would have to create an entirely new Constitution.
When, where and who was at the Constitutional Convention The Convention began in May 1787 and continued throughout one of Philadelphia’s hottest summers. 55 delegates from the states convened George Washington, Ben Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton were some of the more prominent framers.
What were the rival plans of government proposed at the Convention? Virginia Plan – States would be represented in Congress based on their population (supported by big states) New Jersey Plan – Each state would send one representative to Congress (supported by small states) Great Compromise – Created a bicameral legislature. House of Representatives – based on population Senate – Each state sends two representatives
What compromises were made to deal with slavery? Southerners wanted slaves to be counted as part of the population (to increase their representation in the House of Representatives) Northerners did not want that to happen because it would give the south more of a voice in the House than the north would have. 3/5’s Compromise – For every 5 slaves, 3 would count as part of the population.
How did the new Constitution correct the weaknesses of the Articles? The new Constitution created a much stronger federal government Power was shared between the states and the federal government A system of checks and balances was put into place to make sure that no branch of government got too powerful.