A Short History of the United States for School Use Part 21

[Sidenote: Opponents of the Const.i.tution.]

[Sidenote: The first ten amendments.]

190. The First Ten Amendments.--These defects seemed to be so grave that patriots like Patrick Henry, R.H. Lee, Samuel Adams, and John Hanc.o.c.k could not bring themselves to vote for its adoption. Conventions of delegates were elected by the people of the several states to ratify or to reject the Const.i.tution. The excitement was intense. It seemed as if the Const.i.tution would not be adopted. But a way was found out of the difficulty. It was suggested that the conventions should consent to the adoption of the Const.i.tution, but should, at the same time, propose amendments which would do away with many of these objections. This was done. The first Congress under the Const.i.tution and the state legislatures adopted most of these amendments, and they became a part of the Const.i.tution. There were ten amendments in all, and they should be studied as carefully as the Const.i.tution itself is studied.

[Sidenote: Const.i.tution adopted. _Higginson_, 216; _Source-Book_, 175-180.]

191. The Const.i.tution Adopted, 1787-88.--In June, 1788, New Hamps.h.i.+re and Virginia adopted the Const.i.tution. They were the ninth and tenth states to take this action. The Const.i.tution provided that it should go into effect when it should be adopted by nine states, that is, of course, it should go into effect only between those states.

Preparations were now made for the organization of the new government.

But this took some time. Was.h.i.+ngton was unanimously elected President, and was inaugurated in April, 1789. By that time North Carolina and Rhode Island were the only states which had not adopted the Const.i.tution and come under the "New Roof," as it was called. In a year or two they adopted it also, and the Union of the thirteen original states was complete.

QUESTIONS AND TOPICS

CHAPTER 17

---- 168, 169.--_a_. What were the chief weaknesses of the Confederation?

Why did not Congress have any real power?

_b_. How did some states treat other states? Why?

---- 170-173.--_a_. Explain the distress among the people.

_b_. Describe the att.i.tude of the British government and give some reason for it.

_c_. Why did the value of paper money keep changing?

_d_. What were the "tender laws"? The "stay laws"?

_e_. Give some ill.u.s.tration of how these laws would affect trade.

-- 174.--_a_. Describe the troubles in Ma.s.sachusetts.

_b_. What was the result of this rebellion?

---- 175-178.--_a_. What common interest did all the states have?

_b_. What did Maryland contend? State carefully the result of Maryland's action. Describe the land cessions.

_c_. How did the holding these lands benefit the United States?

_d_. Give the provisions of the Ordinance of 1787. What was the result of the declaration as to slaves?

_e_. What privileges were the settlers to have? Why is this Ordinance so important?

CHAPTER 18

---- 179-181.--_a_. What difficulties in the United States showed the necessity of a stronger government?

_b_. How could the Articles of Confederation be amended?

_c_. What was the important work of Madison?

_d_. What was the advantage of having Was.h.i.+ngton act as President of the Convention?

---- 182, 183.--_a_. Explain fully the provisions of the Virginia plan.

What departments were decided upon?

_b_. Why did New Jersey and Delaware oppose the Virginia plan? What were the great objections to the New Jersey plan?

---- 184-186.--_a_. What is a compromise? What are the three great compromises of the Const.i.tution?

_b_. Explain the compromise as to representation. What does the Senate represent? What the House?

_c_. Define apportionment. What do you think of the wisdom of the compromise as to apportionment? What of its justice?

_d_. Why was there a conflict over the clause as to commerce? How was the matter settled?

---- 187-189.--_a_. What events at first seemed to disprove Franklin's prophecy?

_b_. Compare the Const.i.tution with the Articles of Confederation and show in what respects the Const.i.tution was much stronger.

_c_. Explain how the new government could control individuals.

_d_. What were some of the duties of the President? Of Congress? Of the Supreme Court?

---- 190-192.--_a_. What is the difference between a national and a federal government? Was Henry's criticism true?

_b_. Study the first ten amendments and state how far they met the objections of those opposed to the Const.i.tution.

_c_. Repeat the Tenth Amendment from memory.

_d_. How was the Const.i.tution ratified?

_e_. How did the choice of Was.h.i.+ngton as first President influence popular feeling toward the new government?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

_a_. Why should the people have shown loyalty to the states rather than to the United States?

_b_. a.n.a.lyze the Const.i.tution as follows:--

=============================================================== EXECUTIVE. LEGISLATIVE. JUDICIARY.

----------------------+------------+--------------+------------ Method of Appointment or Election. ----------------------+------------+--------------+------------ Term of Office. ----------------------+------------+--------------+------------ Duties and Powers. ----------------------+------------+--------------+------------