for Teachers for Schools for Working Scholars
for Teachers for Schools for Working Scholars
 NES Social Science (303): Practice & Study Guide
First Lesson 

Ch 26: The Evolution of National & State Governments

Try it risk-free for 30 days

About This Chapter

This overview of how national and state governments evolved can help you better understand the Bill of Rights, the Great Compromise, and more. These lessons are a valuable tool to use when preparing for a test or catching up in class.

The Evolution of National & State Governments - Chapter Summary

In this chapter on the evolution of national and state governments, brief lessons cover topics such as creation of the U.S. Constitution and what Charles Beard thought about America's Founding Fathers. Additionally, you can learn about the Constitution's first ten amendments. Upon completion of the chapter, you should be able to do the following:

  • Discuss how early state constitutions were drafted
  • Recount the U.S. government's struggle to create a new independent nation
  • Explain what the Great Compromise accomplished
  • Detail why some people wanted to ratify the U.S. Constitution
  • Discuss components of the U.S. Constitution
  • Explain the importance of the Bill of Rights
  • Recall Charles Beard's interpretation of the U.S. Constitution

Our instructors provide helpful illustrations and animations to assist you with understanding the ideas presented. A brief quiz is available with each lesson to test you on the evolution of national and state governments, and you can also contact our instructors with any questions.

7 Lessons in Chapter 26: The Evolution of National & State Governments
Chapter Practice Test
Test your knowledge with a 30-question chapter practice test
Take Practice Test
View all practice tests in this course
Creating State Constitutions After the American Revolution

1. Creating State Constitutions After the American Revolution

After the revolution, the states had to figure out what the rule of the people would be like. The early state constitutions and how they were drafted would inform the process and the resulting document that would become the U.S. Constitution.
The Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance & Shays' Rebellion

2. The Articles of Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance & Shays' Rebellion

In this lesson you will explore some of the issues faced by the government of the United States as it struggled to create a new, independent nation. Then, test your understanding with a brief quiz.
The Constitutional Convention: The Great Compromise

3. The Constitutional Convention: The Great Compromise

The Constitutional Convention was intended to amend the Articles of Confederation. Instead, those in attendance set out to found a republic (the likes of which had never been seen), which is still going strong well over 200 years later. To accomplish this task, compromises had to be made. The Great Compromise designed the bicameral congress the U.S. has today.
The Ratification of the Constitution and the New U.S. Government

4. The Ratification of the Constitution and the New U.S. Government

The U.S. Constitution may be one of the most important documents in history, but it wasn't a sure thing. A lot of debate took place. There were many people passionate about ratification, and many people passionate about ensuring it didn't get ratified. The divide over the Constitution shows us the root of political parties in the U.S.
The US Constitution: Preamble, Articles and Amendments

5. The US Constitution: Preamble, Articles and Amendments

The U.S. Constitution is one of the most important documents in history. It establishes the government of the United States, and its first ten amendments, the Bill of Rights, assures every U.S. citizen the rights we have all come to hold dear.
The Bill of Rights: The Constitution's First 10 Amendments

6. The Bill of Rights: The Constitution's First 10 Amendments

The Bill of Rights was pivotal in getting the U.S. Constitution ratified. More importantly, the Bill of Rights guarantees the rights of every citizen of the United States in a way that is nearly unequaled.
Creation of the U.S. Constitution: Charles Beard's Interpretation

7. Creation of the U.S. Constitution: Charles Beard's Interpretation

In this lesson, we will examine Charles Beard's interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. We will learn who Charles Beard was and what he thought about America's 'Founding Fathers' and the U.S. Constitution.
Chapter Practice Exam
Chapter Practice Exam
Test your knowledge of this chapter with a 30 question practice chapter exam.
Not Taken
Take Practice Test
Other Practice Exams in this course
Practice Final Exam
Test your knowledge of the entire course with a 50 question practice final exam.
Not Taken
Take Practice Test
View all practice tests in this course
Description
Earning Credit

Earning College Credit

Did you know… We have over 200 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.

To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page

Transferring credit to the school of your choice

Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.

Research Schools, Degrees & Careers

Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school.

Browse Articles By Category

Browse an area of study or degree level.

Recommended Articles

Other Chapters

Other chapters within the NES Social Science (303): Practice & Study Guide course

Explore our library of over 75,000 lessons

Browse by subject
Support