The Origins of the U.S. Gov’t (Article of Confederation)

Articles of Confederation 1781, document before constitution considered weak and ineffectual. Leaders feared that strong national government would threaten the power of the states and the freedoms of the people

Articles of Confederation - Strengths Peace treaty signed with Britain and gained land all the way to Mississippi River Settle disputes among the States Creates Department of War, Marine, Treasury, and Foreign Affairs

Articles of Confederation - Weaknesses No power to levy taxes No power to regulate foreign and interstate trade No power to enforce laws No national court system Congress could only pass laws with 2/3 vote from the states

The citizens were still trying to get over the hardships that came from the overbearing tyranny of the British monarchy.

Differences that almost kept the U.S. from remaining a country Different religions Countries of origin Division over slavery Geographic differences: big vs. small states’ rights. Presidency: elected directly by the people? Legislature? Answer: No!! the electoral college was developed to elect the president.

Conclusion from the Articles of Confederation: No bueno! Constitutional Convention (Philadelphia-1787) to change government and Articles. Virginia Plan: large states wanted power in Congress based on population. New Jersey Plan: small states wanted the same, equal congressional power as larger states. Constitutional equation: New Jersey Plan + Virginia Plan = …..?

….The Great Compromise! New government was a bicameral legislature. Two branches of legislature – House of Representatives: Number of members depending on population of state. Members are elected directly by the people. Senate: two representatives from each state. Small states have equality with larger states in one half of legislature. Elected by state legislature.

Constitution is Finalized! George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson all helped to finalize the Constitution 1787. Approval from 9 out of 13 states. It took over 2 years to ratify the Constitution (1790), after the Antifederalists and Federalists both presented their sides as to their position on the new government. Both argued for a Bill of Rights, which would give protection from the government to every citizen in regard to their Natural Rights as human beings.

George Washington becomes the first president, effective April 30, 1789.

Chapter 2 Timeline Project Create a Chapter 2 timeline that includes the key events in regard to how the United States became a country. Include at least 10 influential events, that helped shape early America’s government. Explain or summarize each event. Have 5 illustrations and be creative, as you may use pictures, drawings, quotes, markers, etc. to make your timeline look nice. This project is worth 100 points, and is due next class.