1. The Nation’s First Government
Chapter 2.3

2. Early State Constitutions
January 1776, New Hampshire became the first colony to organize a constitution, soon other “states” followed suit.
Each state had the following
Legislatures to create laws (most were bicameral)
Each state had a governor that was elected by the legislature or the people
Each state also had judges and courts to interpret the laws
Most had a “bill of rights,” to help establish the citizen’s rights

3. The Massachusetts Constitution
In 1780 Mass. Became the last of the original 13 states to draw up a constitution.
Is the only one that is still in use today
Would become the model for the US Constitution (checks and balances)

4. The Articles of Confederation
First constitution of the United States
Confederation- a group of individuals or in this case states, banding together for a common purpose.
Had a one house legislature, each state had one vote
The legislature had the power to control the army and handle foreign affairs
States refused to give the federal Gov’t a lot of power!

5. Weaknesses of Articles
Lack of Power and Money
Congress could not tax
Congress could not regulate trade
Congress could not enforce laws

6. Weaknesses continued Lack of Central Power No single leader
No national court system
Congress could not pass laws without the approval of 9 states
The Articles could not be changed without the agreement of all 13 states.

7. Problems following the War
Nation had to borrow money for the war
State governments were deep in debt
States begin taxing at an alarming rate
States feared that the government could not protect them