Articles of Confederation
The nation's first constitution.
Sent by Congress to Britain to discuss trade policy.
Rebellion by Massachusetts farmers against the government.
A Virginia planter who later became the fourth president of the United States.
A New York lawyer and strong federalist. He was later Washington's Secretary of the Treasury.
Called for a two-house legislature, a chief executive chosen by the legislature, and a court system.
New Jersey Plan
Called for a one-house legislature and a weak executive branch.
Agreement to establish three separate branches of government and a two-house legislature.
An agreement to count each enslaved person as three-fifths of a free person for taxation and representation.
An English philosopher who believed that all people have natural rights.
Baron de Montesquieu
French writer who declared that the powers of government should be separated and balanced against each other.
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