The Mayflower Compact

3 Influences The US Constitution was influenced by three major documents 1.Magna Carta 2.The English Bill of Rights 3.The Mayflower Compact

The Mayflower Compact When did the Mayflower Compact “begin”? The Pilgrims would have to ____________ _____________ and create a colony. What did the compact organized? What is the political body? What would the government create? The Mayflower Compact is the first example of what? The Mayflower Compact was written _______________________ and meant to be _______________. The principle of “by, of, and for the people” is _________________________.

The Articles of Confederation

The Articles were written in 1777 The Articles were accepted by Congress in 1781 and is considered the first national constitution

The Articles of Confederation The fear of having too much power in one person’s hands reflects the experiences the colonies had under a monarchy In the Articles the state governments limit the power of the national Congress

7 Structure of Government Unicameral (single house) legislative body Each state had one vote regardless of population size Congress given sole authority to govern the country An executive committee oversaw government when Congress was not in session Congress would establish temporary courts to hear disputes among the states

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Congress had no power to raise taxes Congress had no power regulate foreign or state trade Laws had to be approved by 9 out of 13 states Congress did not have the power to enforce laws

Strengths of the Articles of Confederation The Treaty of Paris 1783 was signed The Northwest Ordinance was past Had the power to declare war and peace, print money, make treaties and settle state disputes

THE FEDERALIST PAPERS

Struggle for Ratification 1.After the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, the fight for Ratification began. 2.9 out of 13 states had to ratify the Constitution before it would go into effect. Ratify: agree to accept

Struggle for Ratification 1.Two factions (opposing groups) emerged: A.Federalists who supported the Constitution B.Anti-Federalists who opposed to the Constitution 2.These two groups argued for their position in newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets until the Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788

Federalists v. Anti-Federalists Federalists: Supported the Constitution and a strong central government Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay Anti-Federalists: Supported a weaker central government – felt too much power was taken away from the states Opposed the Constitution Wanted a Bill of Rights included Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry

Ideology of Factions Federalists Anti-Federalists Supported removing some powers from the states and giving more power to the national government. Wanted important political powers to remain with the states. Favored dividing powers among different branches of government. Wanted the legislative branch to have more power than an executive. Proposed a single person to lead the executive branch. Feared that a strong executive might become a king or tyrant. Believed Constitution did not need a Bill of Rights Wanted a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution

Anti-Federalists 1.Led by Thomas Jefferson and included farmers and small landowners who believed nation’s future rested on agriculture. 2.Arguments made by Anti-Federalists A.The Constitutional Convention went beyond what they were charged to do. (illegal-Treason) B.A strong national government would destroy states’ rights. C.Resembled a monarchy with its concentration of power D.Did not have a Bill of Rights

Federalists 1.Argued that the new nation needed an effective national government to handle the nation’s economy, establish its monetary system, promote justice, and protect individual liberty. 2.Took name “Federalists” show link to “Federalism” A.Federalism: government power is distributed among the states, but the power of the central authority outweighs the authority of the states. 3.Included Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison. 4.Wrote a series of letters/essays called the Federalist papers in support of the new constitution.

The Federalist Papers 1.Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Way under pen name Publius (Latin word for public). 2.A series of letters published in newspapers 3.Written for three reasons: A.To influence the vote in favor of ratification B.To explain the Constitution for future interpretation C.Outlined how the Constitution should be set up

So… what did these “Papers” accomplish?? Probably only played a small role in securing ratification However…. They have a lasting value as an authoritative and inspiring explanation of the Constitution Showed citizens the importance of considering human nature when choosing a method of government Showed that both humans AND government can be corrupted – a form of government must protect against corruption and prevent both citizens and leaders from abusing their power

STILL Not Ratified… What now?? Even with the efforts of men like James Madison, not all states were on the Constitution bandwagon People were still very afraid that all of the rights they fought for in the war were being threatened by the Constitutions open-ended structure The solution? The Framers realized that ratification would NEVER happen without at least the promise of a “bill of rights ” – something the framers had been avoiding

The Bill of Rights What two states refused to ratify the Constitution? Why? Why did they want the people’s rights spelled out? What are the Bill of Rights? What rights support democracy? Which are important for justice? What did the founding father believe about people? In the US, people of a crime are considered what? The Trail by Jury amendment guarantees what?