Key Events and Concepts in Early American History

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Shay's Rebellion

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An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by American farmers against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments for debt.

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Constitutional Convention

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A meeting held in 1787 to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.

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New Jersey Plan

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A proposal for the structure of the Government, favoring small states by proposing equal representation for each state.

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Virginia Plan

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A proposal by Virginia delegates, favoring large states by proposing representation based on population.

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3/5ths Compromise

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An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for determining direct taxation and representation in the House of Representatives.

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Federalist

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Supporters of the proposed Constitution, who favored a strong national(federal) government.

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Anti-Federalist

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Opponents of the ratification of the Constitution, who favored stronger state governments.

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Articles of Confederation

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The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak central government and giving most power to the states.

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Great Compromise

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An agreement made during the Constitutional Convention that established a two-house legislature, with proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation in the upper house.

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weakness of the articles of confederation

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federal government cannot tax

cannot USE the military

President has no power