02 Foundational Documents and Ratification Free Online FlashCards

What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

The Continental Congress adopted it on July 4, 1776, to announce separation from Great Britain and justify independence through political principles and grievances.

What political principles connect rights and government in the Declaration?

It holds that people possess natural rights and that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.

When did the Articles of Confederation become effective?

The Articles became effective on March 1, 1781, after all thirteen states ratified them, and served as the first constitution of the United States.

How did the Articles of Confederation represent the states in Congress?

Congress was unicameral, and each state had one vote regardless of its population.

Why was national revenue difficult to collect under the Articles?

Congress could request money from the states but could not directly tax individuals, making national revenue unreliable.

What major western-government achievement occurred under the Articles?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 created a process for governing western territories and admitting new states.

What did the Great Compromise establish?

The Great Compromise created a bicameral Congress: population-based representation in the House and equal representation for each state in the Senate.

What powers were assigned to the constitutional presidency?

The president would enforce federal law, command the armed forces, conduct foreign affairs with Senate participation, appoint officials and judges, and veto legislation subject to override.

How did the Constitution accommodate slavery in its original settlement?

The Constitution included the three-fifths rule and postponed congressional prohibition of the international slave trade until 1808, thereby strengthening slaveholding states politically.

What ratification procedure did Article VII establish?

Article VII required ratification by conventions in nine states, rather than approval by all thirteen state legislatures.

How did Federalist No. 10 explain the value of a large republic?

Madison argued that a large representative republic would multiply competing interests, making it harder for one faction to form a permanent oppressive majority.

How did Federalists link checks and balances to liberty?

Federalists argued that dividing governmental power among branches and giving each tools to resist the others would make abuses more difficult.