8th Grade Social Studies: Chapter 8 and 9 Study Guide

1. Identify at least two flaws of the Articles of Confederation. 2. What was the Northweset Ordinance and how did it provide for the creation of states? 3. List two ways that Shays Rebellion influenced the decision to call a constitutional convention.

4. What was the original purpose of the constitutional convention? 5. Name at least five important leaders who were not present at the constitutional convention.

6. Who was the Father of the Constitution and why was he given that label?

7. What was the Enlightenment and how did its ideals influence the constitution.

8. Define Republic. 9. What was the result of The Great Compromise? (Include at least three details).

10. Why was the issue of slavery contentious? What results (2) came from the Three-Fifths Compromise?

11. Describe the process of how the Chief Executive in the United States is chosen.

12. What is the Electoral College System and how could it be considered outdated by current standards?

13. Describe at least two characteristics of Federalists. 14. Describe at least two characteristics of Anti-Federalists. 15. Why can the Constitution be considered a living document? 16. Create a flow chart of how a bill becomes a law.

17. Name each branch of government. For each branch, be able to identify its role and name at least two powers of each branch.

18. What are checks and balances, and what is their purpose? Provide two examples of checks and balances.

19. Why does the Constitution provide for a majority rule system? 20. Define Judicial Review.

21. Name three ways U.S. citizens can participate in government. 22. Name two powers shared by the state and national government; name two powers under the national government, and two powers that are given to the states. 23. What is a Federal System? 24. What is an amendment and how can one be proposed (two ways)? 25. List three advantages of states having a common market.