Unit 5 Study Guide

Front

What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

Back

To revise the Articles of Confederation

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was to revise the Articles of Confederation, which were found to be inadequate for governing the new nation. This led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

Front

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was held in _______. Options: New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C.

Back

Philadelphia

Answer explanation

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was held in Philadelphia, where delegates gathered to address the issues of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately draft the U.S. Constitution.

Front

Weakness of America's first government?

Back

No executive branch

Answer explanation

The absence of an executive branch was a significant weakness of America's first government, as it lacked a central authority to enforce laws and manage the administration effectively.

Front

Amendments required a _______ vote.

Back

Unanimous

Answer explanation

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution require a unanimous vote from the states for ratification. This ensures that all states agree on the changes, reflecting a strong consensus.

Front

What was the main reason many former Revolutionary soldiers became farmers with high debts?

Back

Owed back pay

Answer explanation

Many former Revolutionary soldiers became farmers with high debts primarily because they owed back pay for their military service. This financial burden pushed them into farming as a means to support themselves.

Front

Daniel Shays led a group to rebel over owed back pay in which state?

Back

Massachusetts

Answer explanation

Daniel Shays led Shays' Rebellion in 1786-1787 in Massachusetts, protesting against economic injustices and the lack of payment for soldiers, making Massachusetts the correct answer.

Front

What was one of the reasons Shay's Rebellion highlighted the need for a new government?

Back

The federal government was unable to help

Answer explanation

Shay's Rebellion demonstrated that the federal government was unable to provide support to quell the uprising, revealing weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and highlighting the need for a stronger central government.

Front

Shay's Rebellion showed that the Articles of Confederation were too weak because the ______ was unable to help.

Back

federal government

Answer explanation

Shay's Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, as the federal government was unable to intervene effectively to quell the uprising, demonstrating its lack of power to maintain order.

Front

What was Shay's Rebellion, and how did it show the weakness of the current government?

Back

It was a demonstration of the need for a stronger federal government.

Answer explanation

Shay's Rebellion was a protest by farmers against high taxes and economic injustices. It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, demonstrating the need for a stronger federal government to maintain order and address such issues.

Front

The compromise that balanced the interests of large and small states was the _________.

Back

The Great Compromise

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, balanced the interests of large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.