Key Constitutional Concepts

The first government after the Declaration of Independence was set up by which document?

• The Articles of Confederation

• The U.S. Constitution

• The Bill of Rights

What is one reason why the Articles of Confederation were problematic for the new United States?

• There was nothing binding the country together

• There was a new king in charge of the country.

In what way did Shays' Rebellion demonstrate the need for a strong national government?

• The weak national government under the Articles of Confederation couldn't control the people.

• The Articles of Confederation had too much power over the states, so they rebelled.

What did Washington do after the American Revolution?

• Celebrated and had a party

• Retired and went home to the farm

• Took over the U.S. and decided to become king

Why was George Washington chosen as the President of the Constitutional Convention?

• Everyone knew his name

• He was respected by everyone

Why did the Constitutional Convention divide power into 3 branches?

• So each branch would have equal power

• So they could play rock, paper, scissors

How do the Founders resolve their fear of any one element of the government becoming too powerful?

• By only putting trustworthy people in office

• By creating a system of checks and balances

What did the smaller states want?

• Equal representation by state

• Representation based on population

What was the conflict between large states and small states with regard to representation in Congress?

• Whether representation should be for everyone to vote or only certain groups

• Whether representation should be equal among the states or based on population

What does bicameral mean?

• Two houses in one legislature

• Bicycles were ridden everywhere