Chapter 7

Question 1

What is a loose association or league of states called?

Answer 1

confederation

This term describes a union of sovereign states that come together for a common purpose.

Question 2

In what month and year were the Articles of Confederation adopted?

Answer 2

November 1777

The Articles served as the first constitution for the United States.

Question 3

How long did the ratification of the Articles of Confederation take?

Answer 3

almost 4 years

Disputes over lands in the West delayed the ratification process.

Question 4

What powers did Congress set up by the Articles of Confederation to NOT have?

Answer 4

• No power to tax
• Could not raise & maintain a national army or navy

These limitations hindered the effectiveness of the government under the Articles.

Question 5

What could Congress do under the Articles of Confederation?

Answer 5

• Declare war
• Borrow money
• Deal directly with foreign governments

These powers were essential for conducting foreign affairs.

Question 6

What law provided for the survey and sale of lands in the Northwest Territory?

Answer 6

The Land Ordinance of 1785

This ordinance established a systematic process for land distribution.

Question 7

What were the 6 mile square areas called in the Land Ordinance of 1785?

Answer 7

townships

Townships were further divided into smaller sections for sale and settlement.

Question 8

What ordinance divided the new territory into at least 3 territories?

Answer 8

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

This ordinance eventually led to the creation of 5 states.

Question 9

What is the first stage for a territory to become a state according to the Northwest Ordinance?

Answer 9

Each territory would be under a governor

This stage establishes initial governance for the territory.

Question 10

What is the second stage for a territory to become a state according to the Northwest Ordinance?

Answer 10

1000 free adult males must live there

This requirement ensures a sufficient population for governance.

Question 11

What is the third stage for a territory to become a state according to the Northwest Ordinance?

Answer 11

60,000 free inhabitants must live there

This stage allows for the establishment of a state government.

Question 12

What must each territory create in order to apply for statehood?

Answer 12

a state Constitution

This requirement was part of the process for territories to become states.

Question 13

Slavery was prohibited north of the Ohio River in which territory?

Answer 13

the Northwest Territory

This was a significant aspect of the territorial governance established by the Northwest Ordinance.

Question 14

Name the five states that emerged from the Northwest Territory.

Answer 14

• Ohio
• Indiana
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Wisconsin

These states were formed as a result of the Northwest Ordinance.

Question 15

What was a major administrative problem with the Articles of Confederation?

Answer 15

They only had one branch of government called Congress

There was no executive or judicial branch, leading to inefficiencies.

Question 16

True or false: The Articles of Confederation included an executive branch.

Answer 16

FALSE

The Articles established only a legislative branch, lacking executive and judicial branches.

Question 17

What issue did the United States face with British troops after the Revolutionary War?

Answer 17

British troops remained in forts in the West

This presence was a source of tension between the United States and Britain.

Question 18

What financial obligation did the United States have to British banks?

Answer 18

Money was still owed

This debt contributed to economic difficulties in the early years of the United States.

Question 19

What did the British Navy control that affected American trade?

Answer 19

the trading routes

This control hindered American merchants and economic growth.

Question 20

Was Spain an American ally after the Revolutionary War?

Answer 20

No

Spain posed challenges to American expansion and trade.

Question 21

What did Spain urge local Native Americans to do?

Answer 21

To raid American frontier settlements

This incited conflict and instability on the frontier.

Question 22

What right did Spain deny Americans regarding New Orleans?

Answer 22

the right to deposit goods

This restriction limited American trade access to the Mississippi River.

Question 23

What was a significant dispute involving Georgia?

Answer 23

The boundary line of Florida

This dispute highlighted tensions between states and territorial claims.

Question 24

What financial issues did the United States face regarding debts owed?

Answer 24

Could not pay back debts owed to France and the Netherlands

This financial strain affected international relations and credibility.

Question 25

What was **Shays's Rebellion**?

Answer 25

A rebellion led by Continental army veteran Daniel Shays ## Footnote It aimed to prevent people from losing their land to the courts.

Question 26

What did Shays's Rebellion involve capturing from Springfield, Massachusetts?

Answer 26

guns and ammunition ## Footnote This was part of the effort to resist economic injustices.

Question 27

Was Daniel Shays **successful** in his rebellion?

Answer 27

He was not successful ## Footnote The rebellion ultimately failed to achieve its goals.

Question 28

When was the **Annapolis Convention** held?

Answer 28

September 1786 ## Footnote The convention aimed to address issues with the Articles of Confederation.

Question 29

What was the **Philadelphia Convention** also known as?

Answer 29

Constitutional Convention ## Footnote It was scheduled to begin in May 1787.

Question 30

What was the original purpose of the **Philadelphia Convention**?

Answer 30

To revise the Articles of Confederation ## Footnote It turned into a meeting to write a new constitution.

Question 31

Why were the discussions at the **Philadelphia Convention** kept secret?

Answer 31

To allow freedom to speak and change minds without public criticism ## Footnote The final product would be released upon completion.

Question 32

Who was the **Virginia delegate** and chairman of the convention?

Answer 32

George Washington ## Footnote He played a significant role in the convention.

Question 33

Who kept a diary on the convention proceedings?

Answer 33

James Madison ## Footnote His notes provide valuable insights into the discussions.

Question 34

Who was the oldest person at the **Philadelphia Convention**?

Answer 34

Benjamin Franklin ## Footnote He was an advocate for a stronger central government.

Question 35

Which delegate from New York was an advocate for a new, stronger central government?

Answer 35

Alexander Hamilton ## Footnote He played a key role in promoting the new constitution.

Question 36

What is the definition of a **constitution**?

Answer 36

A document that describes how a government is to work ## Footnote It outlines the structure and functions of government.

Question 37

What is the definition of a **republic**?

Answer 37

A government in which elected representatives govern the people ## Footnote This system was chosen for its effectiveness.

Question 38

What were the two main issues causing **disagreements** between the northern and southern states?

Answer 38

* Slavery & commerce * Central government ## Footnote These disagreements were significant in shaping early American political discourse.

Question 39

What is the **Great Compromise** also known as?

Answer 39

Connecticut Compromise ## Footnote This compromise was crucial in establishing the structure of the U.S. Congress.

Question 40

The **Virginia Plan** supported a bicameral system consisting of how many legislative houses?

Answer 40

2 legislative houses ## Footnote This plan proposed representation based on population.

Question 41

The **New Jersey Plan** proposed a unicameral system consisting of how many legislative houses?

Answer 41

1 legislative house ## Footnote This plan aimed to ensure equal representation for each state.

Question 42

According to the **Connecticut Compromise**, how many senators does each state have in the Upper House?

Answer 42

2 senators ## Footnote This structure was designed to balance the interests of both large and small states.

Question 43

In the **Lower House**, representation was determined by what factor?

Answer 43

Population ## Footnote This was a key aspect of the compromise to ensure fair representation.

Question 44

What is the definition of **census**?

Answer 44

A count of population taken every 10 years ## Footnote This count is essential for determining representation in Congress.

Question 45

What was the **3/5 Compromise** about?

Answer 45

Counting slaves for representation and taxation ## Footnote It counted every 5 slaves as 3 people for these purposes.

Question 46

Did the constitutional convention delegates ever consider **abolishing slavery**?

Answer 46

No ## Footnote This reflects the contentious nature of slavery in early American politics.

Question 47

What did the **Compromise Concerning Commerce** establish?

Answer 47

Congress had control of commerce ## Footnote It also stated that slavery could not be discussed or interfered with for at least 10 years.

Question 48

What are the **three branches of government** established by the Constitution?

Answer 48

* Legislative - makes the laws * Executive - enforces the law * Judicial - interprets the law ## Footnote This separation of powers is fundamental to the U.S. government structure.

Question 49

Define **checks & balances**.

Answer 49

A rule used to keep each of the 3 branches from exercising too much power ## Footnote This system ensures that no single branch becomes dominant.

Question 50

Define **federal system**.

Answer 50

Division of government's powers between the national system & the states ## Footnote This structure allows for shared governance.

Question 51

On what date was the U.S. Constitution signed?

Answer 51

Sept 17, 1787 ## Footnote This date marks a significant moment in American history.

Question 52

Those who supported the adoption of the Constitution were called _______.

Answer 52

federalists ## Footnote Federalists advocated for a strong national government.

Question 53

Those who did not support the Constitution were called _______.

Answer 53

Anti-Federalists ## Footnote Anti-Federalists were concerned about the potential for government overreach.

Question 54

What were the newspaper essays that informed people about and helped gain support for the Constitution called?

Answer 54

Federalist Papers ## Footnote These writings were crucial in shaping public opinion.

Question 55

Who were the authors of the **Federalist Papers**?

Answer 55

* Alexander Hamilton * James Madison * John Jay ## Footnote These authors played a key role in promoting the Constitution.

Question 56

When did America's First Election happen?

Answer 56

April 1789 ## Footnote This election marked the beginning of the U.S. presidential electoral process.

Question 57

Define **Electoral College**.

Answer 57

Body established by the Constitution to elect the president ## Footnote This system is a unique feature of the U.S. electoral process.

Question 58

Who was the **first President** of the United States?

Answer 58

George Washington ## Footnote Washington set many precedents for the presidency.

Question 59

Who was the **first Vice President** of the United States?

Answer 59

John Adams ## Footnote Adams finished second in the presidential election.

Question 60

What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?

Answer 60

Bill of Rights ## Footnote These amendments guarantee individual liberties.

Question 61

The Constitution is considered a **flexible document** because _______.

Answer 61

Americans have expended much to make it work ## Footnote This flexibility allows for amendments and interpretations over time.

Question 62

The founders recognized the shortcomings of _______.

Answer 62

all people ## Footnote This acknowledgment influenced the design of the government.