Ch. 9 - The Confederation and Constitution

Pursuit of Equality Democratic ideals began to seep into Amer. Society following the Revolution Anti-slavery ideas develop as early as 1775 – Quaker society in Phila. Slavery was still too divisive an issue to try to end – Northern states began to abolish slavery – Southern states did not

Economic Consequences British land was taken and split into small farms Amer. was cut off from selling in British ports but could now trade with any country Huge debt after the war – the colonists borrowed more than they could hope to pay back Tax issues anyone!!!

The Articles of Confederation Amer. 1 st Constitution 13 independent states and one Congress Each state had a single vote in the Congress – problems anyone?!? Any change to the articles required all 13 states to vote together Congress was made weak – asked for taxes but did not require them to be paid

Landmarks in Land Laws Old Northwest – territory between NY and Miss. River, south of the Great Lakes Land Ordinance of 1785 – Old NW should be sold and proceeds used to pay off the national debt NW Ordinance of 1787 – territories w/ more than 60,000 residents could apply to become states in the U.S.

The World’s Ugly Duckling Amer. Got no love on the world stage Britain was no friend to Amer. Spain shut Amer. out from the Miss. River France called in their loans from the Revolutionary War

Horrid Specter of Anarchy Shay’s Rebellion – 1786 – Mass. Poor backcountry farmers were losing farms b/c of high debt and inability to pay taxes Hundreds of angry farmers led by D.Shays rose up and demanded lower taxes and stop property takeovers Shaysites and Mass. Authorities fought and 3 were killed Shays was condemned to death but later pardoned

A Convention of “Demigods” 1786 – trouble is brewing – commerce meeting is held and only 5 states show up 1787 – meeting in Phila. Proposed and all states agree – except R.I. Only landowning men were elected and sent by each state as delegates (reps.) 55 delegates met in Phila. To fix Amer.

Hammering Out a Bundle of Compromises VA Plan – bicameral congress (2 houses) based on population – the more you got the more reps. You get NJ Plan – unicameral congress – based on equal representation for ALL states Great Compromise – bicameral congress – House of Reps. - # of reps based on state’s pop. Senate – each state gets 2 senators no matter how big or small Three Fifths Compromise – slaves counted as 3/5 a person. Why would southern states want slaves counted as people. Set the date to end the slave trade at 1807 Constitution is written by the summer of 1787

Clash of Federalists and Antifederalists Antifederalists – against federal govt. and strong, central govt. – Sam Adams, Patrick Henry – Poorest citizens and for state’s rights – Though upper class was going to abuse power

cont. Federalists – Ben Franklin, G. Washington, Alexander Hamilton – More educated and better organized citizens – Tended to be more well to do and thought the govt. needed to be strong

The Great Debate in the States During the summer of 1787 Each state had to ratify (approve) the Constitution It did not just pass – much debate in the states Only land owning residents could vote in the states 11 out of 13 states ratified the Constitution – R.I and N.C. lagged behind

Constitution The Constitution would ultimately embrace freedom and rights to American citizens in all STATES and at the same time provide structure, order and a strong NATIONAL government for all citizens.