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.

Shay’s Rebellion forced gov’t to realize they needed a stronger gov’t An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts – led by Daniel Shays. Helped convince leaders that a strong central government was needed. "A scene at Springfield, during Shay's Rebellion, when the mob attempted to prevent the holding of the Courts of Justice."—E. Benjamin Andrews, 1895

What is the US Constitution? The supreme law of the United States. It is the foundation and source of the legal authority underlying the existence of the United States of America and the Federal Government of the United States. It provides the framework for the organization of the United States Government.

Patrick Henry who had been elected as a delegate refused to attend He said he “smelled a rat in Philadelphia, tending toward monarchy.”

George Washington- elected president for the convention

What issues were debated?

Representation in Congress This political cartoon illustrates an issue discussed during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The issue was over— Representation in Congress

Large states Small states B. Summarizing Use the chart below to summarize the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. 2.The New Jersey Plan proposed a legislature that consisted of: The Virginia plan proposed a legislature that consisted of: Two houses with representation according to population or wealth One house with each state having equal votes 4. Who supported the New Jersey Plan? 3. Who supported the Virginia Plan? Large states Small states 5. How did the Great Compromise settle this issue? It created a 2 house legislature: representation by population in one house equal representation for each state in the other house

C. Analyzing Points of View briefly explain the disagreement between Northerners and Southerners that was settled by the Three-Fifths Compromise. Southerners-wanted slaves to be counted for population but not for taxation Northerners-wanted slaves to be counted for taxation but not for representation. Three-Fifths Compromise counted 3/5s of the slave population for both representation and taxation.

Not only does each branch of the government have particular powers each branch has certain powers over the other branchs. This is done to keep them balanced and to prevent one branch form ever gaining too much power. For example: ________________________________________ Congress may pass laws........but the President can veto them. The President can veto laws.......but Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote. The President and Congreess may agree on a law..........but the Supreme Court can declare a law unconsitutional. The President can appoint Judges and other government officials.......but Senate must approve them. Supreme Court judges have life terms.......but they can be impeached .

Washington Becomes President

Washington’s Cabinet

Alexander Hamilton