Social Studies Day 3

Articles of Confederation: a written plan of government ratifed in 1781 by 13 original states, establishes a plan for government

rebellion: open, armed, organized resistance to government

arsenal: all the weapons and equipment a country has

convention: a meeting

preamble: introduction

branches: a division

Congress: lawmaking branch of U.S. government

House: one of two parts of Legislative Branch

Senate: one of two parts of Legislative Branch 

Senator: one who serves in the U.S. Senate as a representative for their state—two per state

Representative: a person who represents others in Congress

bill: a statute before it becomes law

veto: to vote against or refuse to endorse

treaty: a written agreement between two states or powers

• Why do you think the nation was weak under the Articles of Confederation?

Why do you think Continental soldiers became upset with the new government?

Why was Shays’ Rebellion a “wake-up call” for government leaders?

• Why do you think the nation was weak under the Articles of Confederation? (The nation did not have a president. Congress could pass laws and declare war, but they could not collect taxes or money from the states. There was no court system to settle disputes between states.)

Why do you think Continental soldiers became upset with the new government? ? (The men needed to be paid for their military service. They were not able to take care of their families or farms without money. They wanted the government to pay them what they were owed.)

Why was Shays’ Rebellion a “wake-up call” for government leaders? The leaders realized that the Articles of Confederation were simply too weak. They knew the government plan had to be strengthened if the country was going to prosper and avoid any further rebellions or uprisings.)