US Government and Politics September 2, 2015

Post American Revolution 1783 - the United States owned all the land east of the Mississippi River, Britain owned Canada, and Spain owned the land west of the Mississippi. 

The First U.S. Constitution 1781-1789: The Articles of Confederation Created a loose alliance between the states Under the constitution, states only needed to work together in times of war and to handle foreign relations or work out treaties Guaranteed states’ rights and powers Only one branch of government – the legislative branch comprised of representatives from each state States were worried about an all powerful federal government so very little power was given to the federal government

Power of the Federal Government Congress had the power to make important decisions, including borrowing and coining money, conducting foreign affairs and wars, and settling conflicts between states. Congress had no authority to raise money by collecting taxes – couldn’t pay its debts or the soldiers who fought in the war Congress had no control over foreign trade; states could trade with each other and other countries without government interference Congress could not pass laws unless 9 of the 13 states agreed and could not force states to carry out the federal laws Congress couldn’t force raise an army; it was a volunteer basis from each state’s militia

Success of the Articles The federal government established a orderly process for the new western territories to become states under the law, The Northwest Ordinance. Established the U.S. Post Office

What is the problem with giving the federal government too little power? The government cannot carry out the necessary duties to protect the people Travel between states is difficult No consistency and unity between the states Government cannot fight an external or internal insurrection

B. Franklin created this. What do you think was his message?

What was learned from the Articles of Confederation experience? That states and the federal government share power and a Bill of Rights is needed to guarantee citizen’s rights

Shays’ Rebellion Daniel Shays was an officer in the Continental Army. After the war ended many military were not paid for their service. They were paid with the Continental that was literally worthless. Many people were in so much debt that they lost their homes and lands. Their property seized by the bank if the person couldn’t pay for it. Shays lost his home and farm as well as other western MA farmers. Some of these men planned an armed rebellion to hold up the court and get their property back. The federal government had no funding or standing army to help MA stop the rebellion. The MA militia was only able to put down the insurrection because they intercepted the insurgents’ “war plan” The rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the Articles and caused many to realize that a new constitution was needed.

Documentary Posted in News widget 10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America: Shays’ Rebellion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEoeK5MvEdY