___________________was considered the author of the Declaration of Independence.

In 1777, the _________________ approved a new plan of government.

As a result of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the states thought of themselves as small, separate ____________________.

Many people feared that a strong________________might limit the freedom of the separate states.

The 13 states set up a loose association, or ________________, rather than a firm union.

When was the Declaration of Independence approved?

Americans believe that the main purpose of government is to protect__________________.

The writers of the Articles of Confederation wanted to preserve the states' __________________.

The 13 colonies decided to separate from __________________ and form an independent country.

One weakness of the Articles of Confederation was _____________.

The term sovereignty means____________.

How many people signed the Declaration of Independence

James Madison kept an accurate journal of what happened at the Constitutional Convention.

The U.S. Constitution is the world's second oldest written constitution still in effect.

The U.S. two-party system was based on the bicarmel system in England.

The delegates to the Constitutional Convention kept their meetings secret to avoid pressure from outsiders.

The new Constitution created the Supreme Court.

People who opposed the new Constitution were called Federalists.

The new Constitution made the national government stronger by allowing it to print money, regulate trade, and raise armed forces.

The Constitution immediately went into effect after it was written and the delegates signed it, allowing George Washington to become our first president.

The biggest argument when writing the Constitution was the boundary lines of the states.

The U.S. Constitution had to be approved by 12 of the 13 states to go into effect.

In federalism, the government is completely controlled by the national government.

A lawmaking body is called a legislature.