Chapter 5: Shaping a New Nation 1783-1791 Chapter 5: Shaping a New Nation

Experimenting With Confederation After the war, the government was unified by the Articles of Confederation Government was a republic form of government- one rep per state.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Power was given to the states; federal government was weak. Congress could not collect taxes Each state had one representative only Laws needed unanimous votes Amendments could only be made if all states approved. No Executive or Judicial branches Could not make money

Positives of Articles of Confederation Land Ordinance of 1785- Government sold off lands to reduce the debt after the Revolution Divided land into townships (36 square miles) and number 16 was reserved for education. Northwest Ordinance of 1787- created a way for territories to become states. Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan; also did not allow slavery

Drafting the Constitution Frustrated famers did not get an opportunity to pay off taxes. Homes were lost to banks Daniel Shays led a rebellion that caused panic among the national government and states. (Shays’ Rebellion) Did not receive his promised salary for serving in the war. Became clear that a new government was needed.

Call for Convention James Madison and Alexander Hamilton called to create a new stronger government. May 1787, delegates from all states (except Rhode Island) met in Philadelphia. Most of the delegates were lawyers, merchants, and planters. Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton were there. George Washington was elected president of the convention.

The Plans States wanted a fair way to create a new government. New Jersey Plan- created equal representation among the legislature (created two reps per state.) Virginia Plan- created a legislature based on population (not fair to small states.) Great Compromise- offered a bi-cameral legislature that had a House of Reps (based on population) and a Senate (equal)

Slavery Plan Slavery was a major issue. South wanted slaves to count for House of Reps Three-Fifths Clause- Said that slaves would count as 3/5 of the population; Slave trade would end in 1808.

Creating a New Government Federalism- divided power between state and national governments Three Branches of government Legislative Branch- created the laws Executive Branch- enforced the laws Electoral College- selected the president (HoR + Senate) Supreme Court- interpreted the laws Checks and Balances- made sure each branch did not get too powerful than the others

Need to Know All bills dealing with money come from the House. Senate must approve of everything – appointments, treaties, etc. Elastic Clause- stretches the government for more power and protection.

Ratifying the Constitution Needed 9/13 states to accept the Constitution. Two groups were started: Anti-Federalists- wanted small changes to the Articles of Confederation; and more state powers; led by Jefferson Federalists- wanted a strong federal government (Constitution); more national powers, led by Hamilton

Convincing and Ratifying The Federalist- series of essays to convince people to vote for the US Constitution. Jefferson and Anti-Federalists were worried about personal rights. Agreed to vote for the Constitution if a Bill of Rights was accepted. Ratification was accepted in December 1791 after the Bill of Rights was written.