What significant problem existed under the Articles of Confederation, relative to
amending the Articles to suit the changing circumstances of the nation, which might have
been predicted from the initial ratification process of the Articles?
Why do you suppose the framers of the Articles of Confederation left so much power to
the individual states rather than investing a large portion of control into Congress?
In what way is the Land Ordinance of 1785 still evidenced today? What pattern did the
Northwest Ordinance of 1787 use to model the territorial governments? What state’s
actions several years earlier revealed the need for these two pieces of legislation?
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention came from a wide array of backgrounds,
with varied ideas and interests. Despite the dissension and need to compromise, the
Founding Fathers nevertheless agreed on several key matters. What were those?
The delegates at the Constitutional Convention determined that approval of nine of the
thirteen states would ratify the Constitution. Why did the delegates surmise that
unanimous approval of the states would be impossible?
The fight for ratification of the Constitution was a bitter one. What were the three main
objections of the Anti-Federalists to the new Constitution?
Our Constitution has endured for well over 200 years, which makes the accomplishments
of its framers so very remarkable, especially in light of the fact that the Articles of
Confederation lasted only a small fraction of that time. List some specific reasons why
the Constitution is still with us today.