Building a New Nation: Governance and Compromise After the Revolution

Following the American Revolution, the former colonies faced the challenge of creating a new nation and government. Initially, the Articles of Confederation were established, but they proved too weak, leading to the need for a stronger central government. Debates ensued over state representation, resulting in the Great Compromise, which formed the basis of the current U.S. Congress. A system of checks and balances was introduced to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. The Constitution faced ratification debates, with Anti-Federalists demanding a Bill of Rights to protect citizens' rights, which was eventually added.

What was General Washington's plan after the revolution?

• To lead the new government

• To move to Europe

• To retire and live as a private citizen

• To become the first President of the United States

What was the main achievement of the Articles of Confederation?

• The establishment of a strong central government

• The creation of the Bill of Rights

• The signing of the Treaty of Paris

• The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• Too much power given to the central government

• Lack of a postal service

• Weak central government with limited authority

• Inability to declare war

What was the purpose of the Great Compromise?

• To balance representation between large and small states

• To abolish the Articles of Confederation

• To create a single legislative body

• To establish a monarchy

Which plan proposed representation based on population?

• New Jersey Plan

• Connecticut Plan

• Virginia Plan

• Rhode Island Plan

What was the role of the legislative branch under the new government plan?

• To interpret laws

• To enforce laws

• To make laws

• To carry out laws

Who were concerned about a strong central government during the ratification debates?

• Monarchists

• Federalists

• Confederates

• Anti-Federalists

What did the Anti-Federalists demand to protect citizens' rights?

• A new constitution

• A Bill of Rights

• A stronger central government

• A monarchy

Which group supported the Constitution as it was originally written?

• Anti-Federalists

• Confederates

• Federalists

• Monarchists

What was the main concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the new Constitution?

• It was too similar to British rule

• It did not allow for a postal service

• It lacked a system of checks and balances

• It gave too much power to the states