All flashcards
Flashcard 1: What was the primary argument of the Federalists in favor of the Constitution?
Answer: A stronger federal government. They believed a unified national government could better address the nation's problems.
Flashcard 2: What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights according to the Anti-Federalists?
Answer: To protect individual liberties. They insisted on explicit protections against potential government tyranny.
Flashcard 3: Which principle of government was a major focus during the ratification debates?
Answer: Federalism. The division of power between national and state governments was hotly contested.
Flashcard 4: Identify the state that ratified the Constitution on June 21, 1788.
Answer: New Hampshire. Became the ninth state to ratify, officially establishing the Constitution.
Flashcard 5: What was significant about the ratification by New Hampshire?
Answer: It was the ninth state to ratify, enabling adoption. Provided the crucial ninth vote needed to formally adopt the Constitution.
Flashcard 6: Name the essay series written to explain and defend the Constitution.
Answer: The Federalist Papers. Published in newspapers to educate the public about the Constitution's benefits.
Flashcard 7: Which Federalist Paper addressed the need for checks and balances?
Answer: Federalist No. 51. Madison's essay explaining how separation of powers prevents any branch from dominating.
Flashcard 8: What was the primary goal of the Federalists during the ratification debate?
Answer: To secure a strong national government. Believed only a strong federal system could unite and govern effectively.
Flashcard 9: Which state was crucial for the federalists to secure for ratification?
Answer: Virginia. As the largest state, Virginia's approval was essential for legitimacy.
Flashcard 10: What was the primary concern of Anti-Federalists regarding the presidency?
Answer: Potential for tyranny. Worried a single executive could become too powerful and authoritarian.
Flashcard 11: Identify the document that outlines the framework of the U.S. government.
Answer: The U.S. Constitution. Established the structure and powers of the federal government in 1787.
Flashcard 12: Name the document that established the first government of the United States.
Answer: The Articles of Confederation. America's first governing document that proved too weak to be effective.
Flashcard 13: What was the role of the Federalist Papers in the ratification process?
Answer: To persuade support for the Constitution. Provided intellectual defense and explanation of the Constitution's principles.
Flashcard 14: Which compromise addressed the issue of slave trade at the Constitutional Convention?
Answer: The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise. Allowed Congress to regulate trade but delayed abolition of slave trade.
Flashcard 15: Which amendment process was established by Article V of the Constitution?
Answer: Proposal by Congress, ratification by states. The standard method requiring congressional proposal and state ratification.
Flashcard 16: Identify one major concern of the Anti-Federalists.
Answer: Lack of a Bill of Rights. They demanded explicit protection of individual rights against federal power.
Flashcard 17: In what year did the U.S. Constitution become effective?
Answer:
- Took effect when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in 1788.
Flashcard 18: Which group opposed the ratification of the Constitution?
Answer: Anti-Federalists. Feared the Constitution gave too much power to the federal government.
Flashcard 19: What was the significance of New York's ratification of the Constitution?
Answer: It was a major state, vital for unity. As a large, economically important state, its support legitimized the new government.
Flashcard 20: Which state did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention?
Answer: Rhode Island. Opposed the stronger federal government and refused to participate in 1787.
Flashcard 21: What was required for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?
Answer: Approval by nine states. Article VII specified that nine of thirteen states must ratify for adoption.
Flashcard 22: Name the compromise that resolved the representation issue in Congress.
Answer: The Great Compromise. Combined Virginia and New Jersey Plans to create a bicameral legislature.
Flashcard 23: Who were the key authors of the Federalist Papers?
Answer: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay. Wrote 85 essays defending the Constitution and explaining its principles.
Flashcard 24: Name the group that supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Answer: Federalists. Led by Hamilton and Madison, they advocated for a strong central government.
Flashcard 25: What fraction of states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to become effective?
Answer: 139. Nine out of thirteen states were required for ratification under Article VII.
Flashcard 26: Identify the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787.
Answer: Delaware. Unanimously approved the Constitution, earning it the nickname 'First State.'
Flashcard 27: Which state was the last to ratify the U.S. Constitution?
Answer: Rhode Island. Held out until May 29, 1790, over a year after the Constitution took effect.
Flashcard 28: Identify the state that was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Answer: Delaware. Ratified unanimously on December 7, 1787, making it the first state.
Flashcard 29: What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
Answer: To revise the Articles of Confederation. Though originally meant to fix the Articles, they created a new government instead.
Flashcard 30: What was the role of George Washington in the Constitutional Convention?
Answer: President of the Convention. His prestige and leadership helped legitimize the Convention's work.