Standard 5

Articles of Confederation First attempt at a unified government of all 13 former colonies. Proposed in Ratified by all 13 independent states by 1781.

1)They could borrow or request money from states. 2) Weak, they gave little power to government 3) They could wage war and make treaties and alliances with other nations

Key Features of the Articles Weak national government One branch of government – Legislative Unicameral One vote per state – all were equal.

Weaknesses of the Articles The Congress had to depend on the states for money and had no power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws. Amending the Articles required the approval of all the states. No president or executive branch. No system of national courts; state courts enforced and interpreted national laws.

Failures of the Articles Congress could print money, but by 1786, the money was useless Congress could borrow money, but could not pay it back Default on debt owed to foreign governments The United States could not defend itself as an independent nation Too few troops able to defend territories Troops were not paid so many defected Barbary Pirates began seizing ships Congress had no funds to stop piracy 13 individual states Border and Land disputes 1783 Treaty of Paris

Articles of Confederation Weak central government (Congress only met once a year!) Congress could not tax…the only way they could raise money was to sell its land west of the Appalachian Mountains (set up a grid system) Governing this territory was outlined in the Northwest Ordinance

Discussion Question Why did the writers of the Articles of Confederation make the plan so weak? Their experience with a king made delegates afraid to give any one individual or branch too much power.

Shay’s Rebellion An uprising of debt-ridden Massachusetts farmers protesting increased state taxes in The states began to realize that a stronger central government was needed. They decided to send delegates to revise the Articles of Confederation but decided to write a new Constitution.

Proposals Virginia Plan 3 branches of government Tax and pass laws Legislature divided into 2 houses Supported by large states (high population) New Jersey Plan Revised the Articles Tax and regulate trade Each state would be represented equally Supported by small states (low population)

Delegates were Divided Small States v. Large States over representation North v. South over issue of slavery These divisions led to compromises

The Great Compromise Resolved the issue of representation between large and small states House of Representatives – states would be represented according to size (benefits large states); elected by people in a state Senate – states would have equal representation (benefits small states); elected by state government

Three-Fifths Compromise The North and South disagreed on whether or not slaves should count toward a state’s population Every 5 slaves would count as 3 free persons

Features of the Constitution 1. Popular Sovereignty – rule by the people 2. Federalism – power is divided between federal and state governments 3. Separation of Powers (3 branches) – influenced by Montesquieu Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch 4. Checks and Balances (veto, impeach, etc.) 5. Amendment Process – Constitution was flexible and could be changed

Federalists v. Antifederalists Federalists – supported the new Constitution Antifederalists – opposed the new Constitution (wanted a Bill of Rights added)

The Federalist Papers Federalists wrote articles in newspapers to explain the provisions of the Constitution and encourage people to support it James Madison (“Father of the Constitution”) Alexander Hamilton (becomes 1 st Secretary of Treasury under Washington)

Ratification of the Constitution In order to ensure ratification, the Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution to please the Anti- federalists.

The Constitution was approved by the Congress… But had to be ratified (adopted) by 9 of the 13 states

Constitution ratified by ALL states by 1790 Copy 27 Amendments

First President – George Washington Chose his first cabinet Secretary of State = Thomas Jefferson Secretary of Treasury = Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War = Henry Knox 1 st Attorney General = Edmund Randolph Established the POSITION of the president (what was he going to do? How would he act?)

What was the Whiskey Rebellion? Why did both presidents support non-intervention in European affairs?

Development of Political Parties Congress split over Hamilton’s financial plan (to pay off US debt) Absorb state debts, pay off bond-holders through import taxes The South hated this but, but agreed to pay it in return for the relocation of the capital to a southern location (D.C) Create a national bank (through the “necessary and proper” clause of the Constitution

Development of Political Parties Federalists Democratic-Republicans Led by Hamilton Strong national government in the hands of the wealthy Basis of wealth was manufacturing and trade Referred to as “Republicans” and then later “Democrats” Led by Madison and Jefferson Favored rights of the states Strength came from independent farmers (owning land enabled people to become independent)

Northwest Ordinance When the population reached 60,000, territories could apply for statehood It banned slavery and established public education