Chapter 4: Section 1 Review

1. What document is called the forerunner of the written constitution in America?

 The Mayflower Compact
2. How did the compact and the charter differ?
 The Mayflower Compact was important because it established a civil
relationship among the Pilgrims, while, on the other hand, the charters
emphasized the relationship between the king and the colonies.
3. What documents formed the basis for many state constitutions?
 Colonial charters
4. Which state was the first to ratify its constitution by a convention?
 Massachusetts
5. What body acted as a national government for the states throughout most of
the War for Independence?
 The Second Continental Congress
6. Under the Articles of Confederation, how many votes did each state receive in
the Congress?
 One vote
7. What successes did the Congress accomplish in the years 1782-1789?
 First, they concluded the Treaty of Paris with Great Britain in 1783, and
second, they tackled the divisive issue of western lands
8. What were 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
 At least nine states had to approve any measure before it could be
passed by Congress.
 The Articles provided for no executive or judicial branches of
government.
 The Articles did not grant Congress the power to tax.