2. Chapter 2 Section 3 Civics Notes January 1776 New Hampshire became the first colony to organize as a state and draft a constitution By 1780 the other colonies had followed Each State had: - A legislature (most bicameral) - A governor - Judges and courts Most state constitutions included a bill of rights.

3. The Massachusetts Constitution Unusual in three ways 1. Distributed power more evenly between the legislature, governor and courts 2. Governor and courts had authority to check legislature 3. Was created by elected delegates Became an important model for the U.S. Constitution

4. The Articles of Confederation Colonies realized they would be no match for the British unless they united under one central government. 1777-The Articles of Confederation becomes the first Constitution of the United States. Set up one-house legislature where each state had one vote. Under Articles Congress had no power to enforce laws or to tax

5. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation By 1781 all 13 states had ratified the Articles of Confederation There were a few weaknesses with the Articles. Congress could not pass a law unless 9 states voted in favor of it To amend it, would require a unanimous vote of all 13 states

6. Weaknesses Continued Congress had no power to enforce laws SEE PAGE 41 CHART “ Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

7. A Shaky National Government The United States was able to overcome weaknesses and win the Revolutionary War Peace treaty signed with British called Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783 The Country was in serious financial trouble

8. Shaky Government Continued -Had to borrow money for war, couldn’t collect taxes. -State governments were also in deep debt -State governments taxed their citizens as a result driving many farmers out of business

9. More about the Shaky Government States also taxed goods from other states or countries hurting trade Government could also not do anything about the publics insecurity. During 1786 and 1787 riots broke out in several states Shay’s Rebellion- Daniel Shay and 1200 other armed farmers into an uprising

10. Shaky Government Although quickly stopped it was a wake up call to the country. -By 1787, 12 of the states sent delegates to a meeting in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation