11.2c: From the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution

This assignment will guide you through the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution. You will explore the weaknesses and successes of the Articles, the debates and compromises that shaped the Constitution, and the foundational principles of the new federal government. Additionally, you will examine the arguments presented in the Federalist and Antifederalist Papers and the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

This section focuses on the weaknesses and successes of the government under the Articles of Confederation. Consider how these factors influenced the decision to draft a new Constitution.

Identify two major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and explain how they affected the functioning of the government.

Discuss one success achieved under the Articles of Confederation.

This section explores the development of the Constitution, focusing on major debates and resolutions, including compromises over representation, taxation, and slavery.

Analyze the major debates during the Constitutional Convention and explain how they were resolved. Include discussions on representation, taxation, and slavery.

This section examines the structure of the federal government as created by the Constitution and key constitutional principles.

Which of the following is a key principle of the Constitution that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful?

Explain the concept of federalism as it is established in the Constitution.

This section delves into the key points of debate expressed in the Federalist Papers and the Antifederalist Papers.

Summarize one argument made by the Federalists in support of the new Constitution.

Summarize one concern raised by the Antifederalists regarding the new Constitution.

This section examines the rights and protections provided by the Bill of Rights and who they initially applied to.

Discuss the significance of the Bill of Rights. How did it address the concerns of those opposed to the Constitution, and to whom did these rights initially apply?