1. Bellringer
Which conclusion about the American Revolutionary War is most clearly supported by information in this chart?
England had few advantages in a war with her American colonies.
The thirteen colonies had more advantages than disadvantages upon entering the war.
England did not believe that the thirteen colonies were worth the expense of a war.
The thirteen colonies had few, but important advantages in the war with England.

2. Forming Government Learning Targets
Learning Targets
U1T12 - I can describe the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
U1T13 - I can compare/contrast the views of delegates at the Constitutional Convention and the compromises that were reached. (New Jersey vs Virginia, slavery, Great Compromise, 3/5)

3. Independence!!!!
After defeating the British and gaining their independence one question remained.
What kind of government will the colonies have?

4. Articles of Confederation
Created a “firm league of friendship”
Written by 2nd Continental Congress (1777) and approved by states (1781)
Confederation: most decision-making takes place at the state level; the national government is very weak
Set-up
Gov’t Could
Gov’t Could Not
Unicameral legislature
Each state sent more than 1 rep, but only got 1 vote.
Bills required 2/3 of states
Amendments had to be unanimously approved
Wage war
Make treaties
Send diplomats abroad
Borrow money
Enforce treaties
Regulate commerce
Enforce tax collection

5. Weaknesses of the Articles
Predict what might happen in the USA as a result of each weakness in the Articles of Confederation.

6. Successes under the articles
Land Ordinance (1785) – plan to organize Northwest Territory
Northwest Ordinance (1787) – plan to admit new states from Northwest Territory

7. Challenges under the articles
Trade restrictions
Britain stayed on the northern border (to defend Canada and capitalize on the fur trade)
Lots of war debt - States not contributing money
Shays Rebellion (1787)

8. Read the passage provided and answer questions on your notes page.
Shays rebellion
Farmers were in tremendous debt.
Capitan Daniel Shays led an armed conflict between protestors and state militia
Would democracy transfer into “mobocracy”?
Read the passage provided and answer questions on your notes page.

9. What to do now?
The Articles of Confederation needed to be amended at least and replaced at most.
Constitutional Convention was called to determine which to do.

10. New Jersey Plan vs. Virginia Plan
Limited power of the central government
3 Branches
Legislative - Unicameral (one house) Equal representation for each state
Executive - More than one Chief Executive
Judicial
Slaves not counted as part of population
Small states liked this plan
Virginia Plan
Strong Central Government
3 Branches
Legislative - bicameral (two houses). Representation based on population
Executive – one national executive
Judicial
Slaves included in population
Large states liked this plan
See if students know before you give them the answers- should remember from 9th grade ISS

11. Constitutional Convention
You will play the role of one of the delegates to the constitutional convention.
After you study this role and answer some questions on your own, we will discuss the options for a new government as a class.

12. Issue 1: How should states be represented in the new government?
Move to the corner that matches your choice.
Partner with one person in that corner and find out if they know how to play an instrument.
Explain one argument that supports your character’s opinion. * musicians go first *
Option A: The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend on the state’s population.

Option B: Each state will have equal representation in Congress, regardless of the state’s size.
Option C: The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend partially on the wealth of the citizens of the state.

13. Issue 2: Should slaves be counted as part of a state’s population?
Move to the corner that matches your choice.
Partner with one person in that corner and find out their middle name.
Explain one argument that supports your character’s opinion. * longest middle name goes first *
Option A: Count slaves as property to be taxed like other property.
Option B: Count slaves as people to determine representation in Congress.
Option C: Count slaves as both people for representation in Congress and property for taxation.
Option D: Do not count slaves as either people for representation or as property for taxation.

14. Issue 3: How should the national executive be elected?
Move to the corner that matches your choice.
Partner with one person in that corner and find out how many siblings they have.
Explain one argument that supports your character’s opinion. * most siblings goes first *
Option A: Have the people directly elect the executive.

Option B: Have Congress elect the executive.

Option C: Have the state legislatures or governors elect the executive.

Option D: Have the people or state legislatures choose electors who will elect the executive.

15. How can everyone agree? The Great Compromise
Bicameral (2 houses) Congress
Senate- equal representation for each state (2 reps per state)
House of representatives- representation based on population
3/5 compromise
Slaves would count as three-fifths of a person
3/5 of a person for population
3/5 of a person for taxation

16. Exit Slip
13) Describe how the colonists were successful in defeating the British during the American Revolution. 14) Describe the significance of 3 major battles/events of the American Revolution (including the “turning point”). 15) Describe 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. 16) In creating the Constitution, how did the Virginia Plan differ from the New Jersey Plan? 17) How did the Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) and the 3/5 compromise resolve tensions between delegates at the Constitutional Convention?