American Pageant Chapter 9 APUSH Review (Period 3)

Summary

This educational video explores the early years of the United States, focusing on the Articles of Confederation and its shortcomings. It highlights the creation of state governments post-independence, each with their own constitution and varying powers. The video discusses the unicameral Congress, lack of executive and judicial branches, and the inability to tax, which led to financial crises. It also covers the Northwest Ordinances, foreign policy issues, and internal rebellions like Shay's Rebellion, which underscored the need for a stronger central government. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the resulting Constitution are examined, including compromises like the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise, and the establishment of a federal system with checks and balances.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The first national government under the Articles of Confederation was weak and had limited powers, intentionally designed to prevent centralized authority.
• 🌟 State governments were established with their own constitutions, often featuring a separation of powers, property requirements for voting, and Bills of Rights to protect individual liberties.
• 📜 The Articles of Confederation faced challenges such as the inability to tax, regulate trade, and enforce laws due to the lack of an executive branch and judiciary.
• 🛣️ The Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 were significant achievements of the Articles, establishing a system for territories to become states and prohibiting slavery north of the Ohio River.
• 🚦 The financial problems of the young nation, including a large debt and worthless paper money, highlighted the need for a stronger central government.
• 🏰 External threats like England's refusal to leave the Northwest territories and Spain's closure of the Mississippi River to American shipping added to the calls for a stronger federal government.
• 🏺 Shay's Rebellion exemplified internal strife and the inability of the Articles of Confederation to maintain order, leading to increased demands for a more effective government.
• 🤝 The Constitutional Convention in 1787 was initially intended to revise the Articles but resulted in the creation of an entirely new federal government under the U.S. Constitution.
• ⚖️ Key compromises at the Convention included the Great Compromise (bicameral legislature with equal and proportional representation) and the Three-Fifths Compromise regarding the counting of slaves for representation.
• 📜 The U.S. Constitution, once ratified, established a government based on popular sovereignty, separation of powers, federalism, and a system of checks and balances, with the Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Q & A

What was the main concern of the states when creating their own governments after independence?

The main concern was safeguarding liberties and preventing centralized power, especially in the executive branch, which led to the establishment of a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Why were property qualifications maintained in many states for voter eligibility?

Property qualifications were maintained in many states to limit voting rights to those who owned property, reflecting the belief that those with a stake in society should have a say in its governance.

What was the significance of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom?

The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, was significant because it disestablished the Church of England and provided religious freedom for all, including Jews and Catholics, which was a progressive step at the time.

Why was the Articles of Confederation considered weak as a national government?

The Articles of Confederation was considered weak because it had a unicameral Congress, no executive branch, no power to tax, and could not regulate trade between states, which severely limited its ability to effectively govern.

What were some of the key weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Key weaknesses included the requirement of nine out of thirteen states to pass laws, equal representation for all states regardless of size, and the need for unanimous consent to amend the Articles.

How did the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 contribute to the success of the Articles of Confederation?

The Land Ordinance of 1785 established a system for surveying and selling land in the Northwest Territory, with a section set aside for public education. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 set up a system for territories to become states and banned slavery north of the Ohio River, contributing to the growth and organization of the nation.

What foreign policy problems did the United States face under the Articles of Confederation?

Under the Articles of Confederation, the United States faced problems with England, who was building forts in the Northwest and disrupting trade, Spain, who banned American shipping along the Mississippi River, and pirates like the Barbary pirates who harassed American shipping.

What was Shay's Rebellion and why was it significant?

Shay's Rebellion was a protest led by Daniel Shays against economic hardships and tax collection in Massachusetts. It was significant because it highlighted the need for a stronger central government to address internal threats and maintain order.

What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

The main purpose of the Constitutional Convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation, but the delegates ultimately decided to create an entirely new federal government with a stronger central authority.

What were the key compromises made during the Constitutional Convention?

The key compromises included the Great Compromise (bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House), the Three-Fifths Compromise (counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes), and the agreement to allow the slave trade to continue until 1808.

How did the Federalist Papers contribute to the ratification of the Constitution?

The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, were a series of essays that aimed to persuade the public to support the ratification of the Constitution by outlining its benefits and addressing concerns about a strong central government.