1. Creating A Constitution
Chapter Seven
Creating A Constitution

2. Governing a New Nation
What problems would America face after The Revolution?

3. Governing a New Nation Section 7-1
How did the Colonists experience with British rule shape state governments and the Articles of Confederation?
What is necessary for a country to have a good government?
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail to be a working government?

4. Essential Questions Continued
What problems did the United States face in it’s early years under the Articles of Confederation?
How was Shay’s Rebellion a force of change in the United States?

5. Government by States
1776 States begin to write new state constitutions
Constitution- document stating the rules under which a government will operate.

6. Features of State Governments
Minimized the powers of Governors
Strong state legislatures
Extended Suffrage to more people
Many states included a Bill of Rights
i.e. Virginias Bill of Rights on P.205

7. Articles of Confederation
Our nation’s first Central or Federal Government.
Established in 1777 and lasted until 1788.
Made purposefully weak because Americans do not trust strong central governments.

8. Form of the Articles of Confederation
Only a loose agreement among the states;
States held most of the power.
One branch of government. (Legislative)
Each state had one vote in Congress.
9 of 13 must agree to make a law.

9. Limits of the Articles of Confederation
No Executive Branch
No Judicial Branch
Could not regulate trade
Could not tax
Could not enforce the laws that it made.

10. Powers of the Articles Deal with Native Americans and foreign nations
Declare war
Coin or borrow money
Run a postal service

11. Successes of the Articles of Confederation
Won The Revolution
Negotiated a Peace Treaty with Britain
Land Ordinance of 1785
Northwest Ordinance of 1787

12. Problems Facing the Nation
Lack of interstate trade due to inconsistent currency and 13 different trade and commerce policies.
Economic Depression-
Spain Cut off the Port of New Orleans
Shays Rebellion is a response to many of these issues.
Government had no power to tax

13. Problems Facing the Nation
British remain in the Northwest Territory.