DTW GED PREP

After the Revolutionary War, the newly independent United States faced the challenge of forming a unified government. The first attempt at governance was established under the Articles of Confederation, a document that prioritized state sovereignty and granted limited powers to the central government. Each of the 13 states retained significant autonomy, and the national government lacked authority to address crucial issues like regulating interstate trade or organizing a national defense. This decentralized system quickly proved inadequate for managing the needs of a growing and interconnected nation

By 1787, it became clear that the Articles of Confederation required significant revision to address these weaknesses. Delegates from the states convened in Philadelphia to amend the Articles, but instead, they drafted an entirely new governing document: the Constitution of the United States. The U.S. Constitution established a federal system that balanced power between the central government and the individual states. This framework created a robust central government with specific powers over national issues, while state governments retained control over local matters not explicitly assigned to the federal government. Remarkably, the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1789, remains the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world.

Key Features of the U.S. Constitution

The Constitution organized the central government into three distinct branches:

1. Executive Branch: Headed by the President, this branch is responsible for enforcing laws, managing foreign relations, and overseeing the military.
2. Legislative Branch: Comprised of Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives), this branch creates laws, regulates commerce, and has the power to declare war.
3. Judicial Branch: Led by the Supreme Court, this branch interprets laws and ensures they comply with the Constitution.

This division of power was designed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, a principle known as checks and balances.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

The drafting and ratification of the Constitution sparked intense debate, leading to the emergence of two distinct political factions:

• Federalists: Advocates for a strong central government, the Federalists believed that a powerful national authority was essential for maintaining order, ensuring security, and fostering economic growth. Prominent Federalists included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, who collectively wrote the Federalist Papers to argue for the Constitution’s ratification.
• Anti-Federalists: Opponents of the Constitution, the Anti-Federalists feared that a strong central government would infringe on the rights and freedoms of the states and individuals. They argued that the proposed Constitution lacked explicit protections for individual liberties. Notable Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry and George Mason.

Anti-Federalist Concerns

The Anti-Federalists objected to the Constitution for several reasons:

1. Lack of a Bill of Rights: They insisted on the inclusion of specific protections for individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
2. Centralized Power: They worried that the new government would overpower state governments and resemble the monarchy they had fought against during the Revolution.
3. Taxation: They feared the central government’s ability to impose taxes would lead to economic oppression.
4. Standing Army: They opposed the idea of a permanent national army, which they viewed as a potential tool for tyranny.

To address these concerns, the Bill of Rights—the first ten amendments to the Constitution—was added in 1791, guaranteeing fundamental freedoms and resolving many Anti-Federalist objections. This compromise secured broader support for the Constitution and helped solidify the foundation of the United States’ federal government.

FROM THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

Directions: Choose the best answer to each of the following questions.

 1.  The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with the words “We the people. . . .” Which of the following is indicated by these words?

 A.   Rights are guaranteed to certain people.

 B.   The people who wrote the document are powerful.

 C.   The power of the government comes from the people.

 D.   Some people deserve to be given more rights than others.

 2.  Which group wanted a Bill of Rights to be included in the Constitution?

 A.   Federalists

 B.  Anti-Federalists

 C.   Senators

 D.   Representatives

1. The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with the words “We the people. . . .” Which of the following is indicated by these words?

✅ Answer: C. The power of the government comes from the people.

Explanation:
The phrase “We the people” reflects the principle of popular sovereignty, meaning that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed—the people.

2. Which group wanted a Bill of Rights to be included in the Constitution?

✅ Answer: B. Anti-Federalists

Explanation:
The Anti-Federalists were concerned that the original Constitution did not sufficiently protect individual liberties. They demanded a Bill of Rights as a condition for ratification to ensure protections for citizens against potential government overreach.