All Flashcards
What were the causes and effects of the Articles of Confederation's weakness in taxation?
Cause: The central government had no power to tax. Effect: The government was always short of money, hindering its ability to function effectively.
What were the causes and effects of the Articles' inability to regulate trade?
Cause: The central government had no power to regulate trade. Effect: States fought over trade, making it difficult to do business and hindering economic growth.
What were the causes and effects of the Articles' lack of enforcement power?
Cause: The central government had no power to enforce laws. Effect: The government depended on the states for law enforcement, leading to inconsistent application of laws.
What were the causes and effects of the 9/13 states requirement to enact laws?
Cause: Approval of 9/13 states was needed to enact laws. Effect: It was difficult to enact laws due to disagreements among the states, leading to gridlock.
What were the causes and effects of the unanimous amendment requirement?
Cause: 13/13 states needed to approve amendments. Effect: There was no practical way to change or amend the powers of the government when problems arose.
What were the causes and effects of having no executive branch under the Articles?
Cause: The government had no executive branch. Effect: There was no effective way to coordinate the work of the government.
What were the causes and effects of having no national court system under the Articles?
Cause: There was no national court system. Effect: The central government had no way to settle disputes among the states.
What were the causes and effects of Shay's Rebellion?
Causes: Heavy debt, high taxes, foreclosures. Effects: Exposed the weaknesses of the Articles, led to calls for a stronger central government, and the Constitutional Convention.
What were the causes and effects of the Land Ordinance of 1785?
Cause: Need to organize western lands and pay off national debt. Effect: Organized western lands, provided for public education, allowed the government to sell land.
What were the causes and effects of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
Cause: Need to establish a process for new states and address slavery. Effect: Established a process for new states, banned slavery in the Northwest Territory, set up territorial governance.
What were the Articles of Confederation?
The first attempt at a national government in the US; a loose confederation of states with a weak central government.
Define 'ratification' in the context of state constitutions.
Approval of a state constitution by the people, setting a precedent for the national Constitution.
What is the Land Ordinance of 1785?
Legislation that organized western lands into townships and provided for public education.
What is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
Legislation that established a process for new states to join the Union and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.
What is Shay's Rebellion?
A series of armed protests in Massachusetts (1786-1787) led by Daniel Shays, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
What is a 'bill of rights'?
A list of individual liberties protected by a state constitution.
Define 'yearly elections'.
A system where legislators are elected annually, ensuring accountability.
What does 'regulating commerce' mean?
Controlling and managing trade activities, especially between states or with foreign countries.
What is meant by 'amending the Articles'?
Making changes or additions to the Articles of Confederation, which required unanimous consent.
Define 'national court system'.
A system of courts at the federal level to settle disputes between states and interpret national laws.
Who was Daniel Shays?
A Revolutionary War veteran who led Shay's Rebellion due to heavy debt and high taxes on farmers.