The U.S. Congress passed this ordinance to organize western lands. The land was divided into townships, and each township was split into 36 sections to be sold to settlers. This policy encouraged westward expansion and generated revenue for the federal government.

Delegates from various states met in Philadelphia to draft a new Constitution to replace the ineffective Articles of Confederation. The new document created a stronger federal government with a system of checks and balances.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were added to guarantee essential freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. These amendments addressed Anti-Federalist concerns and strengthened civil liberties.

Farmers in Pennsylvania rebelled against a federal tax on whiskey. President George Washington responded by sending troops to suppress the uprising, showing that the new government had the authority to enforce its laws and maintain order.

These laws allowed the government to deport foreigners deemed dangerous and punished those who criticized the federal government. They sparked controversy over freedom of speech and led to the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions defending states’ rights.

Jefferson’s victory over John Adams marked a peaceful transfer of power between political parties—from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans—setting an important precedent for American democracy.

• Dallek, R. (2007). American History. McDougal Littell.

• CrashCourse. (2013, March 21). The Constitution, the Articles, and Federalism: Crash Course US History #8 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO7FQsCcbD8

• Heimler’s History. (2021, September 22). The Articles of Confederation Explained | AP U.S. History [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r161cLYzuDg