Constitution Historical Context Flashcards

Which philosopher's theory that legitimate government rests on a 'social contract' and consent of the governed most influenced the Founders?

Answer: John Locke

John Locke's Two Treatises of Government argued that governments derive just powers from the consent of the governed, directly shaping the Declaration and Constitution.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 is historically significant in the context of the Constitution because it:

Answer: Created a framework for admitting new states and banned slavery in the territory

Passed by the Confederation Congress the same summer as the Convention, the Northwest Ordinance established an orderly process for territorial expansion and prohibited slavery north of the Ohio River.

Which colonial grievance listed in the Declaration of Independence most directly influenced the Constitution's separation of powers?

Answer: Concentration of executive, legislative, and judicial power in the king

The Declaration accused the king of combining all governmental powers, motivating the framers to carefully divide those powers among three separate branches.

The Annapolis Convention of 1786, which preceded the Constitutional Convention, was originally called to address disputes over:

Answer: Interstate commerce and trade regulations

Only five states attended the Annapolis Convention to discuss trade issues, but delegates called for a broader convention — which became the Philadelphia Convention of 1787.

George Washington's decision to preside over the Constitutional Convention rather than actively debate was significant because:

Answer: His moral authority lent legitimacy to the proceedings and final document

Washington's unparalleled prestige as a war hero and his willingness to participate gave the Convention credibility and helped persuade the public to accept its result.

The principle of 'federalism' embedded in the Constitution was a direct response to what experience under British rule?

Answer: Centralized imperial power that ignored colonial assemblies

Having suffered under a distant Parliament that overrode local legislatures, the framers divided power between national and state governments to prevent similar abuses.

Delaware earned the nickname 'First State' because it was the first to ratify the Constitution. When did this occur?

Answer: December 7, 1787

Delaware ratified the Constitution unanimously on December 7, 1787, just three months after the Convention concluded.