Origins and History of American Government Unit 2 Overview

Limited Government Magna Carta – 1215 CE English Bill of Rights – 1688 Established the belief that the powers of government are limited NOT unlimited English Bill of Rights – 1688 Established basics rights to English citizens that could not be removed John Locke - 1688 Natural Rights Representative Government - 1783 American colonists believed strongly in representation in government

Self-Government Mayflower Compact – 1620 Colonial Legislature Showed colonists had plans to govern themselves Colonial Legislature Established separation of powers (checks and balance) First Continental Congress (2nd Link) Voted to embargo Britain until the colonies got representation Second Continental Congress Raised an army and navy to protect America from the British

Critical Thinking Question Analyze each of the major events we just discussed. Which event do you think was the most important in shaping our country today. Explain why you think this.

Self-Government Declaration of Independence – 1776 America declared its independence from Great Britain

Articles of the Confederation Structure Unicameral – single chamber congress (like our Senate today) Each state elected one representative No Executive or Judicial Branches Congressional Power: lawmaking Powers that states had: Make war and peace Send and receive ambassadors Enter into treaties Raise and equip an army and navy Fix standard measurements Regulate Indian affairs Establish post offices Decide disputes among states.

Articles of the Confederation Weakness Could not levy taxes Could not regulate trade Could not enforce laws it made 9 of 13 needed approval to make a law all 13 states had to agree to amend the articles no executive branch no national courts – state courts interpreted laws

Articles of the Confederation Problems that Arose Could not pay revolutionary war veterans Shay’s Rebellion Farmers were charged tariffs to sell goods across state lines These tariffs made it impossible for farmers to make a profit If farmers could not pay their debt they were jailed Daniel Shays, a former revolutionary war veteran and a farmer, wanted to siege Boston and force the government to help them. Annapolis Convention