1. 1781-1789

4.  1781 to 1789  1781 to 1789  Middle of the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) the first constitution of the United States was constructed.

5.  Colonists realized that a more permanent form of central government was needed to bring together the new states and win the war

6.  each state had one delegate help write it  All 13 states had to agree to it.

7. The first move in a surprise attack against the Hessian forces at Trenton, New Jersey in the Battle of Trenton.HessianTrenton, New Jersey Battle of Trenton

8. 1. Weak central government; Unicameral (one house) 2. Each state only had one vote 3. 9 states needed to pass any law 4. All 13 colonies needed to agree to change Articles 5. No executive branch (no president) 6. Congress could not levy taxes 7. Congress could not raise an army

9. 8. Central government had no authority over states states 9. Each state coined its own money 10. States could negotiate separate with foreign nations and Indians foreign nations and Indians 11. No national court system to settle disputes

10.  Massachusetts's farmer refuses to pay government issued tax on land/ farmers rise up  Due to lack of national military, state militias reluctantly called up to put down rebellion  Significance: caused Founding Fathers to reconvene for Constitutional Convention to revise the Articles of Confederation

11.  States gained independence and negotiated a favorable treaty  Unified all states, Northwest Ordinance, 1787 system to organize territory and add states

14.  The original ordinance, written by Thomas Jefferson, divided the territory into self- governing districts and set population requirements for statehood.  The final ordinance, written partly by Rufus King, set land-grant sizes and prices, provided public land for schools, outlawed slavery, and guaranteed civil liberties.  It established the principle of admitting new states on equal terms with the original 13 states.

15.  Manifest Destiny