The video explores the formation of the United States, focusing on the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. It discusses the challenges faced by the early American government, the role of the Declaration of Independence, and the differences in state constitutions. The video highlights the limitations of the Articles of Confederation, leading to the Constitutional Convention where compromises were made to create a stronger federal government. The ratification of the Constitution and the addition of the Bill of Rights are also covered, emphasizing the evolving nature of American governance.

What document confirmed that the 13 American colonies were now a country?

• The Bill of Rights

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Articles of Confederation

According to the Declaration of Independence, what rights did the colonists have?

• Rights as Englishmen

• Natural rights as men

• Rights under English law

• Rights as landowners

What was required to vote in South Carolina according to its constitution?

• Being a man and free

• Being a taxpayer

• Being a man, white, and paying taxes

• Being a man, white, and owning a set amount of land

Which state allowed women to vote as long as they owned property?

• Pennsylvania

• Vermont

• South Carolina

• New Jersey

What was one of the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

• It allowed states to print their own money

• It gave too much power to the federal government

• It created a strong central government

• It required unanimous agreement for changes

Who was one of the influential figures calling for a stronger central government?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• Alexander Hamilton

What was the Virginia Plan's proposal for the federal government?

• A judiciary with lifetime appointments

• A unicameral legislature with equal representation

• A bicameral legislature with representation based on population

• A strong executive branch

What compromise was implemented to resolve the debate between large and small states?

• The Great Compromise

• The Connecticut Compromise

• The New Jersey Plan

• The Three-Fifths Compromise

What did the Three-Fifths Clause determine?

• The power of the federal government to regulate commerce

• The number of senators each state would have

• The representation of states in the House of Representatives

• The counting of enslaved persons for population and taxation

What was a major shortcoming of the original U.S. Constitution?

• It did not allow for amendments

• It excluded millions from voting and serving in government

• It gave too much power to the states

• It abolished slavery