After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• 2.1 Describe how the colonies’ experience in self-government contributed to their willingness to revolt.
• 2.2 Explain how the challenges of collective action under the Articles of Confederation undermined early American independence.
• 2.3 Identify the issues the Founders considered when drafting the Constitution.
• 2.4 Discuss the debates over ratification of the Constitution.
• 2.5 Summarize the influences of Federalist Nos. 10 and 51 on the underlying theory of the Constitution.
• 2.6 Identify the ways in which U.S. political development has evolved to address the Founders’ goals.