Module 3: Building a Government - The 1780s

Terrence, the Capitol building, and old American Flag

Without having rules and structure, societies will dismantle into chaos and turmoil. After the Revolutionary War, the colonists discover this very quickly. The colonists come together to create a government that will run smoothly. They do this by creating a document that we still use today—the United States Constitution. In this document, the three branches of government were created: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Martina and Terrence will witness the leaders creating the framework that began in the late 1700s, and continues to strengthen the nation in the 21st century. Follow Martina and Terrence as they venture through the debacle that was the Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention, as well as the debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. See Terrence and Martina observe the importance of Virginia documents and their impact on the Bill of Rights. And finally, witness the impact that Virginians such as James Madison and John Marshall had on the nation’s government.

Getting Started

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States

Getting Started IconThe Constitutional Convention took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to address problems in governing the United States of America. The result of this Convention was the creation of the United States Constitution. Can you identify any of the individuals in this painting? What do you think these men discussed during this meeting? What topics do you think it would have been important to discuss, which were not included in their conversations?

 

Key Vocabulary

Glossary Icon
To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.

Adams, John Federalism Mason, George
amendment Federalist McCulloch v. Maryland
Anti-Federalists Franklin, Benjamin Monroe, James
Articles of Confederation Gibbons v. Ogden New Jersey Plan
Bill of Rights Hamilton, Alexander Northwest Ordinance
central government Henry, Patrick Paterson, William
charter House of Representatives proponent
checks and balances implied powers ratify
Chief Justice Jefferson, Thomas Senate
compromise judicial Shays' Rebellion
confederation judicial review Sherman, Roger
Connecticut Compromise justices Supreme Court
Constitutional Convention Land Ordinance of 1785 Three-Fifths Compromise
delegate legislative Virginia Declaration of Rights
due process Madison, James Virginia Plan
Electoral College Marbury v. Madison Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
executive Marshall, John Washington, George