U.S. Constitution Ratification and Federalism

George Washington discusses the journey from American independence to the creation of the U.S. Constitution. The failure of the Articles of Confederation led to the Constitutional Convention, where the new Constitution was drafted. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists debated its merits, leading to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights. The Constitution was eventually ratified, establishing a new government framework. The rivalry between these groups influenced the formation of political parties, a legacy that continues today.

What was the main reason the Articles of Confederation failed?

• Lack of a strong central government

• Too much power to the president

• Excessive taxation

• Inability to declare war

Who were the leaders of the Federalists?

• Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry

• James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay

• George Washington and Benjamin Franklin

• Samuel Adams and John Hancock

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

• To oppose the Constitution

• To explain and support the Constitution

• To declare independence from Britain

• To propose a new form of government

What was the main concern of the Anti-Federalists?

• The central government was too strong

• The Constitution was too weak

• The president had too little power

• The states had too much power

What did the Anti-Federalists demand to be added to the Constitution?

• A new preamble

• A Bill of Rights

• A stronger executive branch

• More power to the states

Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution?

• New York

• Rhode Island

• Virginia

• Delaware

How long did it take for all 13 states to ratify the Constitution?

• One year

• Four years

• Two years

• Three years

What did the Constitution create that was a new position in the government?

• Prime Minister

• President

• Chancellor

• Governor

What was George Washington's warning in his farewell address?

• To avoid foreign alliances

• To increase taxes

• To prevent the rise of political parties

• To strengthen the military

What ongoing debate did the ratification of the Constitution spark?

• The role of the judiciary

• The expansion of the United States

• The balance of power between state and federal governments

• The need for a national bank