Forming the Constitution Quick Check
The forming of the Constitution is a complex process that involved many individuals and debates. Here are some key points to understand:
1. Constitutional Convention: The process of forming the Constitution began with the Constitutional Convention, which was held in Philadelphia from May to September 1787. Delegates from 12 of the 13 states (excluding Rhode Island) met to draft a new plan of government.
2. Debates and Compromises: The delegates at the Constitutional Convention faced various issues and conflicts, including how to balance power between the states and the national government, representation in Congress, and the institution of slavery. Important compromises were reached, such as the Connecticut Compromise, which resolved the dispute between larger and smaller states over representation in Congress.
3. Three Branches of Government: The Founding Fathers agreed on a system of government with three separate branches: the legislative branch (Congress), the executive branch (headed by the president), and the judicial branch (the federal courts).
4. The Preamble: The Constitution begins with the Preamble, which outlines the goals and principles of the new government. It emphasizes the importance of creating a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty.
5. Ratification: After the Constitution was completed, it needed to be ratified by at least nine of the thirteen states in order to become law. The ratification process involved intense debates and discussions, leading to the creation of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to promote ratification.
6. Bill of Rights: Some states were hesitant to ratify the Constitution without guarantees of individual rights. To address these concerns, the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, were added to the Constitution in 1791.
Overall, the Constitution was a result of compromises and debates aimed at creating a stronger and more effective government. It established the framework for the United States' system of government that still exists today.
Which of the following best summarizes the impact of Shays's Rebellion? (1 point)
O It brought attention to weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
It caused worry that the national government was too powerful.
O It caused farmers to go into debt to pay their taxes.
It brought attention to the tyranny of the Massachusetts government.