1. Chapter 5: Shaping a New Nation
Chapter 5: Shaping a New Nation

2. Experimenting With Confederation
After the war, the government was unified by the Articles of Confederation
Government was a republic form of government- one rep per state.

3. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Power was given to the states; federal government was weak.
Congress could not collect taxes
Each state had one representative only
Laws needed unanimous votes
Amendments could only be made if all states approved.
No Executive or Judicial branches
Could not make money

4. Positives of Articles of Confederation
Land Ordinance of Government sold off lands to reduce the debt after the Revolution
Divided land into townships (36 square miles) and number 16 was reserved for education.
Northwest Ordinance of created a way for territories to become states.
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan; also did not allow slavery

5. Drafting the Constitution
Frustrated famers did not get an opportunity to pay off taxes.
Homes were lost to banks
Daniel Shays led a rebellion that caused panic among the national government and states. (Shays’ Rebellion)
Did not receive his promised salary for serving in the war.
Became clear that a new government was needed.

6. Call for Convention
James Madison and Alexander Hamilton called to create a new stronger government.
May 1787, delegates from all states (except Rhode Island) met in Philadelphia.
Most of the delegates were lawyers, merchants, and planters.
Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton were there.
George Washington was elected president of the convention.

7. The Plans States wanted a fair way to create a new government.
New Jersey Plan- created equal representation among the legislature (created two reps per state.)
Virginia Plan- created a legislature based on population (not fair to small states.)
Great Compromise- offered a bi-cameral legislature that had a House of Reps (based on population) and a Senate (equal)

8. Slavery Plan Slavery was a major issue.
South wanted slaves to count for House of Reps
Three-Fifths Clause- Said that slaves would count as 3/5 of the population; Slave trade would end in 1808.

9. Creating a New Government
Federalism- divided power between state and national governments
Three Branches of government
Legislative Branch- created the laws
Executive Branch- enforced the laws
Electoral College- selected the president (HoR + Senate)
Supreme Court- interpreted the laws
Checks and Balances- made sure each branch did not get too powerful than the others

10. Need to Know All bills dealing with money come from the House.
Senate must approve of everything – appointments, treaties, etc.
Elastic Clause- stretches the government for more power and protection.

11. Ratifying the Constitution
Needed 9/13 states to accept the Constitution.
Two groups were started:
Anti-Federalists- wanted small changes to the Articles of Confederation; and more state powers; led by Jefferson
Federalists- wanted a strong federal government (Constitution); more national powers, led by Hamilton

12. Convincing and Ratifying
The Federalist- series of essays to convince people to vote for the US Constitution.
Jefferson and Anti-Federalists were worried about personal rights.
Agreed to vote for the Constitution if a Bill of Rights was accepted.
Ratification was accepted in December 1791 after the Bill of Rights was written.