5.1: Experimenting with Confederation Bell Work: Concerns of a New Nation Mini-lesson: Experimenting w/ Confederation Homework: Homework Ch. 5 packet due Wed. 10/19

Problems Facing New Nation united under common goal in Am Rev, but now what? relationship b/w states and nat’l gov’t each colony own political unit (distinct, self-governing style) - reluctant to unite under ONE central gov’t balance interests of individual states vs. one nation

Unity Through a Republic democracy? educated, “no thanks” republic? educated, "yes please” DEMOCRACY EVERYONE participates in EVERY decision no protection of individual rights not practical for large countries potential turbulence and violence REPUBLIC governed by established set of laws protection of individual rights ideal for large, diverse populations avoids extremes

Unity Through a Republic different theories of a good republic: - people who put good of nation above own good OR - people act in own best interests  best interest of nation = “hands-off gov’t”

State Constitutions each created OWN similarities: - limit power of gov’t leaders - rights of citizens (speech, religion, press) - liberty over equality differences: - voting rights (all white males? property ownership? women? African Americans?)

Continental Congress Debates how to draft constitution for states as a whole? Rep by pop. or state? Can supreme power be divided? Who gets western lands?

Articles of Confederation 1st constitution: plan for gov’t (laws, powers, structure, processes) colonists biggest fear  STRONG NAT’L GOV’T = new monarchy? Sets up confederation of states (alliance) - each independent - states more rights than national gov’t

Land Ordinance (1785) and NW Ordinance (1787) greatest achievement of A of C process of admitting new states - survey and divide land claims - multiple steps

United States of America Articles of Confederation Objective: To examine the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. United States of America Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789 Why did the Founding Fathers Choose a Confederation plan of government? Why Did the Founding Fathers believe the Articles needed to be replaced by the US Constitution? Strengths Weaknesses The first system of government designed by the Founding Fathers was a Confederation. Under a Confederate system, the National or Central Government is given only a few powers, while most of the power is reserved for the States.

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789 The Articles had 2 major achievements: Bringing the Revolutionary War to a successful conclusion North West Ordinance (plan for governing the western lands)

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789 Strengths Weaknesses Congress was given the power to: Declare War & Establish an Army/Navy No Power to Draft Soldiers

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789 Strengths Weaknesses Congress was given the power to: Make Peace & Sign Treaties No Power to Enforce Treaties

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789 Strengths Weaknesses Congress was given the power to: No Power to Collect Taxes from the States Borrow Money

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789 Strengths Weaknesses Congress was given the power to: Organize a Post Office

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789 Strengths Weaknesses Congress was given the power to: No Chief Executive No national court system No Power to Regulate Interstate Commerce No National Currency Difficult to Pass laws (2/3 vote)

The Articles of Confederation America’s 1st Constitution 1781-1789 Strengths Weaknesses Congress was given the power to: Difficult to Amend (unanimous vote needed to change the articles)

The Articles of Confederation No Chief Executive No National Court System No Power to Draft Soldiers No Power to Control Interstate Commerce No Power to Enforce Treaties No Power to Collect Taxes from the States Difficult to Pass Laws (2/3 vote) No National Currency Difficult to Amend (Unanimous Vote Needed to Change Articles) Congress given the power to: Declare War Make Peace Sign Treaties Borrow Money Establish an Army & Navy Organize a Post Office

Conclusion Why did the Founding Fathers Choose a Confederation plan of government? They feared that a strong central government would create tyranny, and stamp out the peoples natural God given rights.

Shay’s rebellion proved the need to strengthen the government. Conclusion Why Did the Founding Fathers believe the Articles needed to be replaced by the US Constitution? The nation needed to function as ONE united country & not 13 small unorganized nations. Shay’s rebellion proved the need to strengthen the government.