1. Writing the Constitution
Unit Exam Review
Writing the Constitution

2. Discuss the following:
What were the Federalist Papers?
The Federalist papers were a series of essays published by the Federalist to convince people to ratify the Constitution.
How many states were needed to ratify the Constitution before it became official? (simple majority, super majority, or unanimously)
Nine out of 13 states were needed to ratify the Constitution before it became official.
What order did the following event occur?
The Constitutional Convention begins
Shays’ Rebellion
Battle of Yorktown
George Washington is inaugurated as first President.
Battle of Yorktown, Shays’ Rebellion, The Constitutional Convention, Washington is inaugurated as 1st President

3. Discuss the following:
What significant event occurred in 1787?
The Constitution was written.
What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
To form a government separate from Great Britain.
Explain the Great Compromise.
A 3 Branch government was formed
The Legislative Branch would consist of two houses
Senate – Small states received equal representation
House of Representatives – Larges states received proportional representation

4. Discuss the Following:
Explain the 3/5ths Compromise. For every five slaves a state can count them as three citizens for representative and taxation purposes.
Slaves
Citizens

5. Discuss the following:
What argument did Federalist make about the Federal government having too much power? Explain.
The Federal government’s power is divided in many ways, first is among the states which is called Federalism, secondly is it is further divided into three branches, Separation of Powers, as well as a system of Checks and Balances.
How many houses in the legislative Branch did the Virginia Plan call for? How would representation be determined?
A two house legislature with proportional representation
What argument did the Anti –Federalist make against the Constitution?
The Federal governments’ power is too strong, or individual and state rights are in danger.

6. Discuss the following:
What would be good title for the list of characteristics below?
Published anonymously
Argued for a Strong Federal Government
Advocated for ratification
The Federalist Papers

7. Discuss the following:
Anti Federalist eventually agreed to adopt the Constitution once ___.
A Bill of Rights was added.
What were some of the major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Lacked power to enforce laws
Lacked power to levy taxes
To rigid of a government, was not easily changed.
How was this grievance in the Declaration of Independence addressed?
“For quartering large bodies of troops among us.”
The 3rd Amendment to the Constitution forbids the government from quartering troops in citizens homes.

8. Discuss the following Who were the Federalist? Anti-Federalist?
Federalist – Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison
Anti-Federalist – George Mason and Patrick Henry
What freedom is guaranteed by the following Amendments?
4th –
5th
6th-
7th-
8th
Free from unreasonable searches and seizure of one’s property
Establishes the “due process of the law”
Right to a public speedy trial.
the right to a trial by jury
Limits on fines and punishments

9. Discuss the following:
Why is freedom of the Press important to a free society?
A free press is important to a free society because it helps to keep the citizens informed of the actions of their government so that they can help place limits on its power.

10. Discuss the following:
Complete the following:
Development of Religious Freedom in America
New England Churches elect officials
William Penn found Pennsylvania on the idea of separation of Church and State
William Penn grants religious freedom in Pennsylvania
Maryland founded for persecuted Catholics
Virginia passes the Act for Establishing Religious Freedom ?
The Constitution is amended by the First Amendment

11. Discuss the following:
According the excerpt below, what can the Federal government NOT do? Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercises thereof ….
The State cannot establish an official religion for the country.

12. Give three bullet point fact about the following:
New Jersey Plan
Virginia Plan
3 bullet point facts
Great Compromise
3 bullet point facts