Founding Principles of American Government

The video lesson covers the formation of the American nation post-Revolutionary War, starting with the causes of the war, such as the French and Indian War and taxation without representation. It discusses the Revolutionary War, highlighting key figures like George Washington and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The lesson then transitions to the Articles of Confederation, its weaknesses, and the subsequent Constitutional Convention, which led to the U.S. Constitution and significant compromises like the Three-Fifths Compromise. The emergence of political parties, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates, and the policies of the Washington and Adams administrations are also explored.

What was one of the main reasons the American colonies were dissatisfied with British rule before the Revolutionary War?

• Excessive military presence

• Prohibition of religious practices

• Taxation without representation

• Lack of access to British goods

Who played a significant leadership role during the American Revolutionary War?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• John Adams

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It could not raise an army or taxes

• It allowed too much power to the federal government

• It prohibited trade with foreign nations

• It established a monarchy

What was the purpose of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• To set the term limits for the president

• To establish the executive branch

• To decide the representation of slave states in Congress

• To determine the number of senators per state

Which plan proposed equal representation for all states regardless of size?

• New Jersey Plan

• Virginia Plan

• Massachusetts Plan

• Connecticut Plan

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

• It gave too much power to the states

• It allowed for too many political parties

• It did not include a Bill of Rights

• It was too similar to the British monarchy

Who was the face of the Federalist Party?

• John Adams

• Alexander Hamilton

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

What did the Federalists emphasize in their vision for America?

• Decentralized government

• Isolationism and neutrality

• Industry and manufacturing

• Agriculture and rural development

Which administration followed George Washington's presidency?

• Adams Administration

• Jefferson Administration

• Madison Administration

• Monroe Administration

What was a key argument used by Alexander Hamilton to justify the creation of a national bank?

• It was necessary for national defense

• It was a temporary measure

• It was explicitly stated in the Constitution

• It was an implied power for the country's best interest