Federalism: A system where power is divided between national and state governments. The balance between these powers shifted significantly after moving away from the Articles of Confederation.
Shays' Rebellion: An uprising led by farmers in Massachusetts in 1786-87 due to economic distress. It exposed weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation which couldn't effectively respond to the crisis.
Constitutional Convention: The meeting in 1787 where delegates from twelve states rewrote the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the U.S. Constitution.