Chapter 8 Study Guide

Hey everybody, here are most important questions to study in preparation for tomorrow's Chapter 8 quiz.  Best of luck!

1.      What were the Articles of Confederation, and what did it actually do for the country?

2.      What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

3.      Why does the textbook say Shays’ Rebellion was important?

4.      Why did the small states almost walked out at the Constitutional Convention?

5.      What was The Great Compromise?  Why was it necessary?

6.      What was The 3/5 Compromise?  Why was it used?

7.      Who did the Constitutional Convention give the job of choosing the chief executive? Why?

8.      What is the difference between a Federalist and an Anti-Federalist?

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

One of the keys to understanding early US politics is knowing the difference between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.  In this lesson, students had to read two points-of-view, and decide which side of the argument they prefer.  The end product is to write a final claim, and back that claim up with two reasons and two quotes.  See below for materials:

• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Documents
• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalist Graph
• Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Final Claim Outline

Shays' Rebellion

Shays' Rebellion is often regarded as the event that led Americans to want a stronger central government, but the story is not so simple. Opinions on the rebellion and the power of government varied, often along class lines. In this lesson, students will gain a more nuanced understanding of how Americans reacted to Shays' Rebellion by analyzing a textbook account and a letter by Thomas Jefferson.

• Jefferson's Letter about Shays' Rebellion
• Shays' Rebellion Guiding Questions
• Mr. Johnston's Answers to Guiding Questions

Chapter 8: The Articles of Confederation & Forming the Constitution

As it turns out, the US Constitution wasn't the first attempt at creating a government. The colonists needed a government in place while the fought the British.  Below you will find out what that government was like, and hopefully you will also see why we needed to change that system.  Please create a set of Cornell Notes based on the following slideshow:

• The Articles of Confederation Slideshow
• Chapter 8 Text

If I Were In Charge...

We are dealing with a hypothetical situation that is similar to what the founding fathers faced.   The year is 1781; you have just defeated the most powerful country in the world and won your independence.  What are you going to do next?  If you were in charge in 1781, what type of government would you establish and how would you deal with these issues in your country?

·        Revenue for your government (it’s all about the $$$)

·        Laws (How will they be made, who will enforce them?)

·        What rights will you guarantee your people? 

·        Will they have any representation?  How will you represent them?

·        The Military (army, navy, etc.)

·        Foreign Relations (How will you interact with other nations?)

·        Health and Education (hospitals, schools, emergency systems)

These will be outlined by one of your group members, and handed in.

You will have 2 days to prepare.  Best of luck!

For a helpful slideshow, click here!

America: Story of US- Revolution

This week we're using a video from the History Channel to guide us through the steps of the War for Independence.  Below are links for the video and the worksheet.

• Revolution Video
• Revolution Worksheet