The First Constitution Articles of Confederation Many states wanted to write their own Constitutions Confederation: a loose alliance of states The Articles of Confederation had many problems!

A weak government Congress had little economic power No President It was up to states to enforce laws Congress could not tax 9 out of the 13 states had to pass laws States all had different money systems Congress could not regulate trade between states

Successes of the Articles of Confederation Land Ordinance of 1785: Set up a system for settling the Northwest Territory Separated region into territories Created townships Northwest Ordinance: set up a government for the Northwest Territory Set up basic rights

The Farmers Rebel Farmers angry over Congress’ inability to handle economic issues Farmers had borrowed money to buy farms and equipment Economic Depression: Unemployment rises Prices fall Farmers cannot repay loans Tried to capture an arsenal Courts seized farms Daniel Shay (farmer) led a rebellion in Boston Attacked courthouses Protected farms

A Change is needed The Articles of Confederation created a Federal Government that was too weak Delegates met at the Constitutional convention to change the Articles Instead, they decided to throw them out and start over

Constitutional Convention Delegates met in Philadelphia Talks were held in secret Each state had different needs and concerns They were creating a representative government

Two Groups Divided Anti-Federalists Federalists Opposed the constitution Scared the national government would become too strong Thought the constitution left the states too weak Believed the constitution gave the President too much power (like a King) Liked the Articles of Confederation Federalists Wanted a strong national government to work out state problems Disliked the Articles of Confederation Thought the constitution protected the individuals rights Federalist Papers: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay

Representation in Congress Big states wanted representation based on population Small states wanted equal representation The Virginia Plan By James Madison Wanted 3 branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) Legislative Branch would have 2 houses- both based on population The New Jersey Plan By Patterson Wanted 3 branches of government Legislative branch would have one house- each state would get one vote

The Great Compromise Proposed by Roger Sherman 3 branches of government Legislative branch would have 2 houses (BICAMERAL LEGISLATURE) House of Representatives: representation is based on population Senate: representation is equal (2 per state)

3/5 Compromise Southerners wanted to include slaves in population count Northerners did not COMPROMISE: 3/5 of slaves would be counted towards population

Slave Trade Southerners did not want Congress to end the slave trade Congress agreed that they would not outlaw slavery for at least 20 years

Signing the Constitution September 17, 1787 9 out of 13 states signed the Constitution and it was officially the new government of the United States of America