1. The Critical Period

2. The Articles of Confederation
Nov. 15, 1777 the Second Cont. Congress approved the Articles.
Est. a “firm league of friendship” among the states

3. Each state kept its sovereignty, freedom, and independence
States come together for common defense, securities of their liberties and mutual and general welfare.

4. Strengths of Articles
Could raise and army
Make treaties
Borrow $$$
Was some state to state corporation

5. Weakness of the Articles
One vote per state, regardless of size
Congress powerless to tax
Couldn’t regulate interstate commerce and trade
No executive to enforce acts of Congress

6. Amendment only w/consent of all 13 states
A 9/13 majority required to pass laws.
Articles only a “firm league of friendship”
No uniform $$$

7. A Need for a Stronger Gov’t
The Articles were unable to deal w/the nations problems
State bickering
Economic chaos
Violence- Shays Rebellion

8. The Constitutional Convention
May 25, 1787
All but RI sent delegates (55 attended)
Best and the brightest - Framers

9. The Constitution as a “Bundle of Compromises”

10. Representation in Congress
Virginia Plan- based on population of state
New Jersey Plan- each state have equal representation

11. The Great Compromise
The Legislature consist of two houses (bicameral)
A House of Representatives based on population
A Senate with each state having equal representation.

12. Slavery
Southern states wanted slaves to count toward congressional representation and for slaves not to be counted for direct taxation
North supported opposite position

13. Three-Fifths Compromise
Five slaves were to be counted as three free persons for both representation and taxation.
(Congress was also forbidden to deal w/the issue of slavery for 20 years)

14. 3. Tariffs
Southern states (agriculture) opposed giving the central gov’t the power to tax
The northern states (trade) wanted central gov’t to have the power to tax and establish uniform regulations and protections of shipping.

15. Tariff compromise
Congress granted the power to control foreign commerce and to levy tariffs on imports but not on exports.

16. Delegates disagreed on term length 3 years to life
4. Presidency
Delegates disagreed on term length
3 years to life
Directly elected by the people and others suggested elected by Congress

17. Presidential Compromise
Authorizing a four-year term
Electoral College

18. Ratifying the Constitution

19. Federalist- favored ratification of Const. and strong federal gov’t
Federalist Vs. Anti-federalist
Federalist- favored ratification of Const. and strong federal gov’t
James Madison, Alex Hamilton, and George Washington

20. Anti-Federalists- opposed ratification of Const
Anti-Federalists- opposed ratification of Const. due to lack of a bill of rights and a too power central gov’t
John Hancock
Richard Henry Lee
Patrick Henry
Samuel Adams
Thomas Jefferson

21. Compromise- Federalists agreed to add Bill of Rights after ratification.