1. Federalist Paper Simulation Project:
Goal: Demonstrate convincing arguments
for ratifying (adopting) a new
US Constitution to replace the
struggling Articles of Confederation
in the period
Tasks:
Explain / Discuss advantages of creating a
National Government (central government)
with Separation of Powers / checks+balances
Explain / Discuss advantages of Federalism
to maintain an appropriate sharing of powers
between the National + State governments
#1 Reason for 1787 Constitutional Convention
Shays' Rebellion is the name given to a series of protests in 1786 and 1787 by American farmers against state and local enforcement of tax collections and judgments for debt.

2. Federalism is … dividing + sharing power
Advantages of Stronger National / Central Government
improved cooperation by courts for legal disputes
improved ability to stop riots + rebellions
improved military cooperation for national defense
improved trade / commerce between states
Bi-Cameral (2 House) Legislative Branch = Congress
House = chosen by the People Senate = chosen by the States
H.o R. = most taxation power Senate = most approval power
Both H.o.R. + Senate needed to approve laws, override vetoes,
declare war, impeach + remove officials,
add new States, add Amendments, etc…
US Senate = advice + consent for Presidential decisions
Executive Branch (Chief Executive / Commander in Chief) = President
Chief Executive appoints department heads “Cabinet” + Justices
can veto bills, negotiate treaties, grant pardons, etc…
Commander in Chief of the army, navy, + state militias
Judicial Branch = US Supreme Court
Judicial Review power to declare laws “unconstitutional” (interprets laws)
settle disputes between States
Federalism is … dividing + sharing power

3. US President … US Supreme Court… Bi-Cameral Legislature…
Why a 2 House Legislature would be better than just a one House legislature ?
Slow down speed of decision making…prevent bad laws
Prevent tyranny by most populated States over the less populated States
Give both the People and the States a “voice” in the law making process
US Supreme Court…
Specialize in interpreting laws based on the US Constitution
Settle disputes between States in the interest of justice and peace between US States
Specialize in settling legal disputes between the USA and foreign nations as needed
US President …
Why a strong leader is needed to direct the Nation ?
Specialize in enforcement of the Acts (laws) passed by Congress
Specialize in maintaining domestic peace within the Nation + States as needed
Specialize in defending the Nation from foreign threats + improving international relations

4. Delegated = US Government Power ONLY Federalism is needed to improve
Treaties
Declare War
Interstate Commerce
Weights + Measures
Federalism is needed to improve
cooperation among the States…
Concurrent = Shared Powers…
National + State
Levy taxes
Collect taxes
Borrow money
Pass laws
Enforce laws
Interpret laws
Reserved = NY State Government
Power ONLY
Traffic laws
Marriage laws
Hunting + fishing laws
Education laws
NY State Speed Limits
Vehicle Registration
Vehicle Inspection
Driver’s License
Marriage License
Hunting License
Teaching License
Regents’ Diploma
vvs

5. No National Judiciary Powers No Executive Powers
One House Legislature…
Why a 1 House Legislature is a flawed system in 1788?
The US Congress under the Articles of Confederation gives each State only one vote…the People do not have a “voice” in the national government
The US Congress under the Articles of Confederation requires unanimous (total) agreement to create change
No National Judiciary Powers
Citizens argue with each other over boundaries + rights
Disputes between States are bringing rival US States closer to war with each other
Legal disputes between the USA and foreign nations are
threatening the rights of US Citizens + Businesses
No Executive Powers
Why is a strong leader needed to direct the Nation ?
With the weak Articles of Confederation/the Acts (laws) of Congress can’t be enforced (no power to collect taxes)
Massive rebellions, riots, insurrections, etc… are left to the States alone to deal with
No Commander in Chief to defend the Nation from foreign threats + difficult international relations

6. United States under the States’ Rights have been
Weaknesses of these
United States under the
Articles of Confederation
need to be solved ASAP
…so WE can
Levy taxes
Collect taxes
Borrow money
Pass laws
Enforce laws
Interpret laws
Protect our Freedom
States’ Rights have been
competing with Congress’
authority over these powers
Treaties w/ Indians + European Nations
Declaring War + Defense Actions
Interstate Commerce
Weights + Measures / Money Policies
National Cooperation with
Federalism is needed so we
better organize the future
USA…to look more like this
New States added to our Union
Sharing major Rivers + Lakes
Better trade between States
Better National Defense
Better Foreign Relations