Question

why was congresss plan for the northwest territory so significant? how did the confederation governments financial constraints boil into crisis? how did the constitution change the nations form of government? what events led to a new constitutional convention? how were the principal challenges to the new constitution resolved?

Explanation:

1. The plan for the Northwest Territory was significant as it set a precedent for territorial expansion and governance, including provisions for land - sale, education, and the admission of new states.
2. The confederation government's financial constraints led to crisis due to its inability to tax effectively, high debt from the Revolutionary War, and lack of a stable currency, which caused economic instability and inability to pay debts or fund the military.
3. The Constitution changed the nation's form of government by creating a stronger central government with separated powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, replacing the weak confederation system.
4. Events leading to a new constitutional convention included economic problems under the Articles of Confederation, Shays' Rebellion highlighting the weakness of the central government, and the need for a more effective system of governance.
5. Challenges to the new Constitution were resolved through compromises such as the Great Compromise (on representation), the Three - Fifths Compromise (on slavery and representation), and the Bill of Rights to address concerns about individual liberties and the power of the new government.

Answer:

1. It set a precedent for territorial expansion and governance.
2. Inability to tax, high war debt, and unstable currency.
3. Created a stronger central government with separated powers.
4. Economic problems, Shays' Rebellion, and need for better governance.
5. Through various compromises like the Great Compromise and the Bill of Rights.