American Revolution 8.1 The Articles of Confederation

The Constitution CONSTITUTION –Set of basic principles and laws that give the government authority REPUBLICANISM –Citizens elect representatives who are responsible to the people LIMITED GOVERNMENT –Leaders obey laws with no one having total power.

Most state constitutions protected the people’s rights These rights included freedom of the press and private ownership of land. SUFFRAGE –Voting rights –Most states had different laws on voting –Some allowed free African Americans to votes.

Forming a Union A national government was needed to hold the country together Some felt this government would be too powerful ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION –New central government…it had problems No president –Congress could not tax or get soldiers from the states It takes 5 years to get state approval.

The new government has to deal with lands in the west and how to pay for the war. Land is sold for money THE NORTHWEST ORDINANCE –Plan for forming governments in the new land Get 60,000 people and you can draft a constitution You can then ask to come into the union No slavery allowed.

American Revolution 8.2 Problems in the New Nation

Other countries take advantage of the U.S. because we have no army Spain closed the Mississippi river and England refuses to leave

England closed its ports to American ships and forces them to pay heavy tariffs. The congress could not tax British imports The British went form state to state negotiating to get the best deal.

INTERSTATE COMMERCE –Trade between states-could not be controlled INFLATION –Increased prices and a reduced value of money –Large amount of money was produced but had almost no value DEPRESSION –A period of low economic activity combined with a rise in unemployment.

Shay’s Rebellion Poor farmers in Massachusetts were losing their farms because of debt Shay and his men shut down the courts He is finally defeated in battle The Rebellion showed how weak the national government was.

A Push for Change A meeting of the states is called for, but only five states send representatives. Another call goes out for a Constitutional convention in Philadelphia.

American Revolution 8.3 The Constitution

The Constitutional Convention 12 states send representative to Philadelphia Most were well educated. They include Washington, Franklin, and James Madison No women, slaves, or Indians were invited.

The Great Compromise Some wanted small changes to the Articles while others want something brand new How strong should the government be, slavery, and state representation were hot topics

The Virginia Plan A strong central government Three branches-Executive, Judicial, and Legislative A two house legislature State representatives would be based on the state’s population

New Jersey Plan Called for each state to have one vote Called for the government to have the power to tax and regulate trade.

Great Compromise Votes in the House of Reps. Are based on the state’s population Each state gets tow votes in the Senate

The Three Fifths Compromise Southern state want their slaves counted in the population for votes, not taxes They decide to count 3/5 to determine representation They also decide to wait 20 years to make a decision on slavery.

Our Living Constitution FEDERALISM –Sharing power between a central government and the states States control local government, education, local law, and the welfare of their people The federal government may use the military under control of the president.

Our Government LEGISLATIVE BRANCH –Propose and pass laws and is made up of two houses EXECUTIVE BRANCH –Makes sure laws are enforced and is made up of the president an the departments that run the government JUDICIAL BRANCH –Interpret laws, punish criminals, and settle disputes between states. –Made up of courts CHECKS AND BALANCES –Keeps any branch from become too powerful.

Our Government IT TOOK 16 WEEKS OF DEBATE TO COME UP WITH THE CONSTITUTION.

American Revolution 8.4 Ratification of the Constitution

Federalists VS Ant federalists ANTIFEDERALIST –Those against the constitution –Many felt the government would be too powerful –It also lacked a bill of rights FEDERALISTS –They believe the constitution offers a good balance of power

The Ratification Fight It takes almost 2 ½ years to ratify the constitution. It took 9 states to pass it and all 13 for it to go into effect.

Demand for a Bill of Rights Several states ratified the constitution with a promise of a bill of rights. The first ten amendments to the US constitution are the BILL OF RIGHTS. THE US CONSTITUTION IS THE WORLD’S OLDEST NATIONAL CONSTITUTION!!!!