The Constitution Chapter 2 Edwards, Wattenberg, and Lineberry Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy Fourteenth Edition Chapter 2 The Constitution Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman.

Constitution Constitution - a nation’s basic law. Creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Sets the broad rules of the game Rules are not neutral; some participants and policy options have advantages

Origins of the Constitution

Origins of the Constitution Road to Revolution Tax increases after the Seven Years’ War Stamp Act specifically No direct representation in parliament. Continental Congress formed to address abuses of the English Crown.

Origins of the Constitution Second Continental Congress convened in Philly 10 May 1775 – less than a month after Lexington and Concord Olive Branch Petition – effort to avoid full scale war Continental Congress continued to claim loyalty to Britain

Thomas Paine and Common Sense Colonies need independence, not improved representation Origin and Design of Gov’t Elections right for all gov’ts Of Monarchy and Succession Hereditary kings do not represent the people “Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived.” Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs Freedom is the key to the future not improved representation On the Present Ability of America Colonies are capable to survive on their own b/c of natural resources and population

Origins of the Constitution Declaring Independence May and June 1776, Continental Congress debated resolutions for independence Declaration of Independence – listed the colonists grievances against the British –adopted on 4 July 1776 Declaration was a polemic, announcing and justifying revolution to the rest of the world

Origins of the Constitution The English Bill of Rights (1689) Laid out rights citizens of a free and democratic society should have Natural rights: rights inherent in human beings Consent of governed: Gov’t responds to people, not themselves Limited Government: restrictions should be placed to protect natural rights

Origins of the Constitution Winning Independence 1783, the American colonies prevailed in their war against England. “Conservative” Revolution Restored rights the colonists felt they had lost Not a major change of lifestyles

The Government That Failed Articles of Confederation First document to govern the United States, Adopted 1777; ratified in 1781 All states needed to ratify Established a confederation, among 13 states and former colonies. Congress had few powers No president or nat’l court system All gov’t power rested w/ states

The Government That Failed Economic Turmoil Postwar depression left farmers unable to pay debts Sympathetic states favored debtors Shays’ Rebellion Attacks on courthouses to block foreclosures Led by Daniel Shays Questioned ability of states to keep order Economic elite concerned about Articles’inability protect property rights