Foundations of American Government Flashcard

Front

What was the main cause of Shays' Rebellion?

Back

High taxes and economic hardship

Front

Who were the Federalists?

Back

Supporters of a strong central government

Front

What document declared the American colonies' independence from Britain?

Back

The Declaration of Independence

Front

Which group was concerned about the potential for a too powerful central government under the new Constitution?

Back

Anti-Federalists

Front

What is the primary purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

Back

To outline the structure of the federal government

Front

Explain how Shays' Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. *Articles of Confederation:* a document that explained how the government was to work. This was written before the constitution.

Back

It demonstrated the failure of the federal government to maintain order.

Front

Compare the views of Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding the balance of power between state and federal governments.

Back

Federalists wanted a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists wanted more power for states.

Front

Analyze the impact of the Declaration of Independence on the American colonies.

Back

It unified the colonies in their fight against Britain.

Front

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Constitution in addressing the issues that led to Shays' Rebellion.

Back

It was effective because it established a stronger federal government.

Front

Assess the arguments made by Anti-Federalists against the ratification of the Constitution.

Back

They believed it gave too much power to the federal government.