Module 3: Building a Government - The 1780s
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
The 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
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 |