Name _______________________
Date _________________
SSUSH5 The student will explain specific events and key ideas that brought about the adoption and implementation of the United States
Constitution.
a. Explain how weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and Daniel Shays’ Rebellion led to a call for a stronger central government.
b. Evaluate the major arguments of the anti-Federalists and Federalists during the debate on ratification of the Constitution as put forth in The Federalist concerning
form of government, factions, checks and balances, and the power of the executive, including the roles of Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.
c. Explain the key features of the Constitution, specifically the Great Compromise, separation of powers (influence of Montesquieu), limited government, and the issue
of slavery.
d. Analyze how the Bill of Rights serves as a protector of individual and states’ rights.
e. Explain the importance of the Presidencies of George Washington and John Adams; include the Whiskey Rebellion, non-intervention in Europe, and the development
of political parties (Alexander Hamilton).
A. Series of Articles and Essays that promoted the passage of the U.S. Constitution. They argued for the
1. Articles of Confederation ________
Constitution. Leaders were Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.
B. Delegates for the Constitutional Convention that promoted the passage of the Constitution.
2. Daniel Shay’s Rebellion ______
C. Delegates the argued that the Constitution put too much power in the Federal Government and not
enough rights for the people (and states).
3. Ratification _____
D. Groups of people in government that are part of trade unions or political groups. They have an
ulterior motive to their political reasoning.
4. Constitution_____
E. Each of the three branches of government can limit the powers of the other branches. Thus, giving
not one branch too much power.
5. The Federalist Papers_____
F.
Keeping out of conflicts between other countries, yet trading with them. A policy created by G.
Washington.
6. Federalists _____
G. Federalist, wrote some of the Federalist papers, became fourth president of the U.S.
H. XYZ Affair, Alien and Sedition Acts, Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, John Marshall appointment as
7. Antifederalists ______
Chief Justice and Midnight Judges (Marbury vs. Madison)
I.
The president of the U.S. acts as head of state and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. He is
8. Factions _____
responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress. He appoints the heads of
federal agencies, including the cabinet. The Vice President is also part of the Executive Branch and
9. Checks and Balances ______
ready to assume the Presidency should the need arise.
J.
Federalist, wrote Federalist papers, also became the first Secretary of the Treasury and paid off all
10. Power of the Executive ____
debts from Revolutionary War.
K. Concept that G. Washington did not like. Felt it would destroy the nation, cause sectionalism, and
11. Alexander Hamilton _____
cause opponents to destroy each other.
L.
The outcome of representation in the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government that created the
12. James Madison _____
present bicameral houses of Congress.
M. To approve. In the case of the Constitution, it was a debate over several issues to make different
13. Key Features of the Constitution ____
groups approve the Constitution. (all signing)
N. The source of the concept of Separation of Powers in Government.
14. Great Compromise _____
O. That a government's authority over individual's rights and liberties is prescribed, restricted, and
limited by law or by the Constitution.
15. Separation of Powers _____
P. First written draft of formal government of the U.S. made in May 1776. Signed by 13 colonies. Gave
power to the states and little to the central government. Was later edited and changed to
16. Montesquieu ______
Constitution.
Q. First ten amendments of the Constitution that was added to protect individual liberties. This also
17. Limited Government _____
convinced the Antifederalists to ratify the Constitution.
R. Action of property owners that tried to overthrow a state government in Massachusetts. This action
18. Slavery (in the constitution) ______
caused the government leaders of the new U.S. to address problems with the Articles of
Confederation. They then rewrote and made the Constitution.
19. Bill of Rights______
S. Test of the Constitution, proved that the Constitution worked.
T. Supreme law of the United States of America. Document that governs all rights of the people, states,
20. Individual Rights _____
and federal government.
U. Tenth Amendment: principle of federalism by providing that powers not granted to the federal
21. State Rights ______
government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the States, are reserved to the States or the
people.
22. Presidency of George Washington ______
V. Issue was not addressed by the Constitution, but rather, mentioned that it would be dealt with in
1808 (20 years).
23. Presidency of John Adams ____
W. All freedoms that give citizens the privileges of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness involving such
things as freedom, property, and treatment by a representative government.
24. Whiskey Rebellion _____
X. The enlightenment principle that held that the three branches of government will be created to avoid
tyranny and are disconnected as much as possible by their relationships held in the system of checks
25. Non-intervention in Europe _____
and balances.
Y. Created a Cabinet, Judiciary Act of 1789, Stopping the Whiskey Rebellion, Proclamation of Neutrality,
26. Development of Political Parties _____
and Farewell Address.
Z. Preamble, Articles, Amendments, State relationships, Amending process, National Supremacy, and
Ratification.