Chapter 3 with Section 3 of Chapter 2 The Constitution From PBS’ “Liberty” series, final Episode VI “Are We to Be a Nation” PBS Video, Mr. Danson has the DVD. 45 minutes, show video and then discuss the notes. Chapter 3 with Section 3 of Chapter 2

Why did we watch part of the movie? How does it relate to unit on the U.S. Constitution?

The U. S. Constitution was NOT the first attempt at Government The U.S. Constitution was NOT the first attempt at Government! The Articles of Confederation first government.

1st & 2nd Continental Congresses began the country 2nd CC = Declaration of Independence, gov’t for Rev War 2nd Continental Congress wrote the Articles - took 3 1/2 years for ratification needed all 13 states - Maryland held out over western lands March 1, 1781, Articles went into effect thru March 4, 1789

Why didn’t the Articles work? Weak central government, states fought, different states trying to make agreements with foreign governments, even thought forbidden. Different military. Taxed each others goods. Needed 9 votes not just a majority, unanimous vote for amendment No true executive or judicial branch Not allowed to tax Could not regulate trade – each state… Could not enforce treaties – Britain & Spain… No power to deal with Indians

Powers of the Confederation Congress (Central) were weak!! Regulate weights & measures Create post offices Borrow & coin money Direct foreign affairs, war, & peace Build & equip a navy Can ask for an army from the states settle disputes between the states Powers of the Confederation Congress (Central) were weak!!

Different State Currency North Carolina Pennsylvania

Violence breaks out in many states. Economic conditions worsen in Mass Violence breaks out in many states. Economic conditions worsen in Mass. Farmers losing their land from debt etc.

Secret Meeting in Philadelphia We the People, Lesson 11 work Who Attended?

Headhouse on Second Street We the People, Lesson 11 work

Constitution is the nation’s fundamental law. It lay’s out the way the Federal Government is organized, how leaders are selected; procedures they follow and duties. Preamble: States the purpose of the government. The Constitution had to be ratified by at least nine states in order to become the law of the land. After two and a half years, all 13 states agreed to ratify the Articles of the Constitution. The Constitution and its Articles were adopted into the United States on September 17, 1787 during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. -

Preamble 7 Articles 27 Amendments First 10 Amendments = Bill of Rights

Constitution is based on Six Principles

Basic Principles - Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances Separation of Powers - powers are divided among 3 independent & coequal branches of gov’t Checks & Balances - each branch of gov’t is subject to a number of checks or restraints by the other branches (see chart)

Principles of Constitution

Principle of the Constitution

Stop Here 2 Discovery Video -Just the Facts; the Constitution and The Constitution of the U.S. Amendment Process & Bill of Rights Judicial Review- Just the Facts; the Constitution & Supremacy clause. 7 Articles of the Constitution Federalism- case study – Katrina & New Orleans