Evaluate the changes in the US political system that were brought about by the 1787 Constitution.

Candidates will make an appraisal of the impact on the US political system that occurred following the replacement of the Articles of Confederation by the 1787 Constitution. Issues to be addressed may include the transition from a government dominated by the legislative branch to a system of three relatively coequal branches that included the separation of powers with checks and balances, the reduction of state power and replacement with a system that emphasized the pre-eminence of the national government (though with specific powers reserved to the states), and the addition of a national Bill of Rights. It may be argued that the change was limited in that the principles of the consent of the governed, majority rule and a government of limited powers were preserved. Candidates may point out that women and minorities saw little benefit from the adoption of the new constitution.