Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation A unicameral Congress [9 of 13 votes to pass a law]. 13 out of 13 to amend. Could not tax or raise armies. No executive or judicial branches.

State Claims to Western Lands

Land Ordinance of 1785 $1 per acre with 640 acre mininimum Raised $760,000 revenue in 4 years

The United States in 1787

Northwest (Land) Ordinance of 1787 Strategy for territories to become states. (60,000 pop. Minimum) Guaranteed freedom of religion. Guaranteed trial by jury. Prohibited slavery in Northwest Territory New states have equal status with 13 Vermont-1791 Kentucky-1792 Tennessee-1796

Economic Problems 41.2 million in debt including 7.9 in international debt Domestic debt reduced to 6 million, international debt increased to 10.2 Negotiated commercial treaties with France, Sweden, Prussia, Morocco Failed to solve tariff conflicts between states Failed to solve paper currency abuses States voted down tax requests

International Problems Jay-Gardoqui Treaty accepted Spain’s closure of lower Mississippi in exchange for commercial treaty favorable to New England Unable to get England reopen West Indies trade or accept imports (rice, indigo, tobacco) British flood U.S. with manufactured goods Trade deficit=deflation=depression

American Exports, To & From Britain:

Shays’ Rebellion: Former Continental soldiers not paid back pay Land confiscated when they can’t pay taxes

Shays’ Rebellion: There could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders. -- George Washington

Annapolis Convention (1786) 12 representatives from 5 states GOAL  address barriers that limited trade and commerce between the states. Sent a report to the Congress to call a meeting of all the states to meet in Philadelphia to examine areas broader than just trade and commerce.

Constitutional Convention What were the motives of our Founding Fathers? To what extent was the Constitution a conservative reaction by “monied men” to their fear of the ordinary American citizen? What was the historical impact of the Great Compromise & the 3/5ths Compromise?

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Strongholds

Antifederalist Objections to Constitution No Bill of Rights Fear of abuse of centralized power & loss of state power, including executive branch Concern over federal power to tax, regulate trade, & raise army Fear of big states dominating small states Slavery: Pro & anti groups Lack of democracy in elections