1. Bellringer
Which conclusion about the American Revolutionary War is most clearly supported by information in the chart you received on the way in?
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.

3. 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)

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

5. Articles of Confederation
Written by 2nd Continental Congress (1777) and approved by states (1781)
Created a “firm league of friendship”
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

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. Weaknesses of the Articles
On your worksheet are the 8 major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Under each weakness predict potential problems that might occur as the US grows into independence.
Label each weakness to the corresponding goal it fails to meet.
If it fails at:
Maintaining Order =
Ensuring Security =
Providing for the Common Good =

9. Shays rebellion
Farmers in tremendous debt. Capitan Daniel Shays led an armed conflict between protestors and state militia
Would democracy transfer into “mobocracy”?
Read shays rebellion and answer questions

10. What to do now? There must be a change.
How are all states going to agree?
What plans are created?

11. New Jersey Plan vs. Virginia Plan
What is the New Jersey 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
What is the 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 stduetns know before you give them the answers- should remember from 9th grade ISS

12. 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.

13. Issue 1: How should states be represented in the new government?
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.

14. Issue 2: Should slaves be counted as part of a state’s population?
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.

15. Issue 3: How should the national executive be elected?
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.

16. How can everyone agree? THE GREAT COMPROMISE 3/5 compromise
What do you think?
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

17. Exit Slip
Complete exit slip/study guide.