1. Crisis and Constitution How close a union ? —“not the United States, these United States”; 13 nation states workable? Separate treaties? Borders? Belief in need for small republics —state constitutions aimed at direct participation amongst compact like-minded citizens Curbing executive power —ghost of George III and ministers Strengthening legislative powers —more republican Written constitutions —British constitution difficult to pin down; need a governmental contract in writing

2. Articles of Confederation —1777 (at start of war, but 4 yrs. to ratify): Created vague central government, so Congress couldn’t tax/regulate trade—power to states Spanish designs on the Southwest —Mississippi closed; Indian alliances Landed versus landless states —lower taxes: compete for citizens; ratification held hostage by Maryland until lands ceded ( map) Changing composition of state legislatures —western homespun local representation lessens influence of elite Jefferson’s plans for the Northwest —10 states when populated to least of original, democracy in townships (6x6 miles=36 sections of 640 acres) of free adult males, but this unworkable for speculators who feared too much self-government Northwest Ordinance —more orderly, restrained growth rules w/ 3-5 states—one section per township for education; No slavery, but Native Americans ignored (2 nd map) Northwest Ordinance for territories northwest of Ohio River

5. Republicanism and Slavery — the two don’t jive, but property sacred and propertyless blacks dangerous; southerners: “peculiar institution” Growth of the free black community—N orth but not in the South Public and Private Debt— paper is a promise to pay; don’t have it, print it Postwar inflation— paper money, scarce goods cause spiraling inflation: Congress fiddled, unable to do anything under Confederation: no tax / trade powers Political divisions over economic policy— some love inflation, some hate it

6. Republican Society — “aristocracy of merit” Urban artisans —organizing works: boycotts taught them that Exclusion of women from politics —revolution not fought for women’s rights, but… Improved schooling and literacy rates —true academics for all; literacy aims at equal numbers between men/women, reaches goal by 1850 Women’s legal status —other than easier divorce, what legal status? None—all based in their men Republican view of equality — control of property gives equality; blacks and women ARE property and inferior; royalty real enemy of equality Disestablishment— no state support — support your OWN church: crucial Society of Cincinnati —(hereditary warrior nobility) hand-me-downs not Republican Mary Woolstone- craft, writer of Vindication of the Rights of Women. Her daughter would write Frankenstein.

7. From Confederation to Constitutions William Paterson, originator of the New Jersey Plan Response to agrarian unrest — states didn’t have means to avoid Shays-type rebellions —most agreed: strong central government needed Paterson’s New Jersey Plan —countered Madison’s “Virginia (population) Plan”: small states wanted equal representation Compromise over reps —small get equal senators; big get more in house (where money bills originate)—slaves count 3/5’s—trading to 1808 Electoral College —vote for wise electors who know candidates instead of direct election Separation of Powers —checks and balances in three branches Amending the Constitution —purposely not easy: 2/3’s to initiate; 3/4’s to pass Modern-day Electoral College meets to select the President.

8. The anti-Federalists —feared loss of up-close republicanism, power of the states The Federalist Papers —85 effective essays Bill of Rights —explicit statement of rights promised after ratification: 1 st ten amendments (many still controversial—handout) Rejected Republican beliefs— nice in theory, but centralization works in practice Behavior shaped by interest rather than virtue —less than idealistic, practical approach to government The three writers for the Federalist Papers, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, and the father of the Constitution, James Madison.