After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
Explain the procedures for ratifying the Constitution.
Describe the differences between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Summarize the main components of the colonial experience with democracy.
Distinguish between proprietary and royal colonies.
Explain the nature of voting qualifications prior to the Revolutionary War.
Discuss how the taxation issue fomented rebellion in the colonies.
Review the key philosophical contributions of Locke and Hobbes and how American political thinking was reflected by the Declaration of Independence. Also, review Whig political theories.
Delineate the key provisions of the Articles of Confederation, the key decisions and compromises made by delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and the nature of the ratification debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Also, explain the political significance of the disputed 1800 presidential election.
Delineate and explain the main "flaws" and accomplishments found in the U.S. Constitution.
Review the means by which the Constitution
can be amended and be sure to explain why so
many proposed amendments are never ratified.
