Chapter 7 Section 1 Governing a New Nation

After winning Independence the newly formed “states” formed state constitutions Rhode Island and Connecticut continued using colonial charters but removed references to the British King Constitution-is a document stating the rules under which a government will operate The new state constitutions limited the power of governors and gave more power to state legislatures. Governors served as an executive- person who runs the government and sees that the laws are carried out. State Constitutions

The main concern for writers of state constitutions was to preserve individual rights of the people. This was done by creating a bill of rights. Virginia was the first state to include a bill of rights in their state constitution. Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to trial by jury, and barring cruel and unusual punishment were included in early bills of rights. Protecting Rights

Articles of Confederation First national government of the U.S. One Branch System- legislative branch called Congress No executive system or courts. Each state had 1 vote. 9 states needed to agree on a law before it could go into effect. This created a limited national government Congress Powers-deal with foreign relations, make laws, declare war, coin or borrow money, and run a postal service Articles of Confederation

Settling in the West Land Ordinance of 1785 -system set up by the national government which separated land for sale and set prices for its sale. Northwest Ordinance of 1787- set up the process for admitting new states into the United States, basic rights were guaranteed and slavery was illegal. A governor, secretary, and three judges would be appointed When the population reached 5,000 adult free male settlers, the territory could elect a legislature. Once the population reached 60,000 the territory could ask to join the U.S. New states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin

Problems Grow Economic Problems -Each state set its own trading policies -states taxed imports from other states -Each state printed its own currency -The national government could not tax the citizens Problems Grow

Problems Grow Foreign Affairs -Due to having a weak central government, other countries abused their power with the U.S. -Britain continued capturing forts in the Northwest Territory. -Spain prevented U.S. farmers from using the Mississippi River to ship their goods. Problems Grow

Problems Grow Shay’s Rebellion -Mid 1780’s an economic depression hit the U.S. -economic depression- a period when business activity slows, prices and wages drop, and unemployment rises. -In Massachusetts, farmers were unable to afford state taxes, and the state governments began taking over farms. -Daniel Shays led un uprising of 1,000 Massachusetts farmers. Problems Grow