Bellringer Which conclusion about the American Revolutionary War is most clearly supported by information in the chart you received on the way in?   England had few advantages in a war with her American colonies. The thirteen colonies had more advantages than disadvantages upon entering the war. England did not believe that the thirteen colonies were worth the expense of a war. The thirteen colonies had few, but important advantages in the war with England.

Forming Government Learning Targets   Learning Targets U1T12 - I can describe the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. U1T13 - I can compare/contrast the views of delegates at the Constitutional Convention and the compromises that were reached. (New Jersey vs Virginia, slavery, Great Compromise, 3/5)

Independence!!!! After defeating the British and gaining their independence one question remained. What kind of government will the colonies have?

Articles of Confederation Written by 2nd Continental Congress (1777) and approved by states (1781) Created a “firm league of friendship” confederation: most decision-making takes place at the state level; the national government is very weak Set-up Gov’t Could Gov’t Could Not Unicameral legislature Each state sent more than 1 rep, but only got 1 vote. Bills required 2/3 of states Amendments had to be unanimously approved Wage war Make treaties Send diplomats abroad Borrow money Enforce treaties Regulate commerce Enforce tax collection

Successes under the articles Land Ordinance (1785) – plan to organize Northwest Territory Northwest Ordinance (1787) – plan to admit new states from Northwest Territory

Challenges under the articles Trade restrictions Britain stayed on the northern border (to defend Canada and capitalize on the fur trade) Lots of war debt - States not contributing money Shays Rebellion (1787)

Weaknesses of the Articles On your worksheet are the 8 major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Under each weakness predict potential problems that might occur as the US grows into independence. Label each weakness to the corresponding goal it fails to meet. If it fails at: Maintaining Order = Ensuring Security = Providing for the Common Good =

Shays rebellion Farmers in tremendous debt. Capitan Daniel Shays led an armed conflict between protestors and state militia Would democracy transfer into “mobocracy”? Read shays rebellion and answer questions

What to do now? There must be a change. How are all states going to agree? What plans are created?

New Jersey Plan vs. Virginia Plan What is the New Jersey plan? Limited power of the central government 3 Branches Legislative - Unicameral (one house) Equal representation for each state Executive - More than one Chief Executive Judicial Slaves not counted as part of population Small states liked this plan What is the Virginia Plan? Strong Central Government 3 Branches Legislative - bicameral (two houses). Representation based on population Executive – one national executive Judicial Slaves included in population Large states liked this plan See if stduetns know before you give them the answers- should remember from 9th grade ISS

Constitutional Convention You will play the role of one of the delegates to the constitutional convention. After you study this role and answer some questions on your own, we will discuss the options for a new government as a class.

Issue 1: How should states be represented in the new government? Option A: The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend on the state’s population.
 Option B: Each state will have equal representation in Congress, regardless of the state’s size. Option C: The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend partially on the wealth of the citizens of the state.

Issue 2: Should slaves be counted as part of a state’s population? Option A: Count slaves as property to be taxed like other property. Option B: Count slaves as people to determine representation in Congress. Option C: Count slaves as both people for representation in Congress and property for taxation. Option D: Do not count slaves as either people for representation or as property for taxation.

Issue 3: How should the national executive be elected? Option A: Have the people directly elect the executive.
 Option B: Have Congress elect the executive.
 Option C: Have the state legislatures or governors elect the executive.
 Option D: Have the people or state legislatures choose electors who will elect the executive.

How can everyone agree? THE GREAT COMPROMISE 3/5 compromise What do you think? THE GREAT COMPROMISE Bicameral (2 houses) Congress Senate- equal representation for each state (2 reps per state) House of representatives- representation based on population 3/5 compromise Slaves would count as three-fifths of a person 3/5 of a person for population 3/5 of a person for taxation

Exit Slip Complete exit slip/study guide.