1. Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
Lecture & Discussion 3: Government Power & Individual Rights

2. Enduring Understanding
The Constitution emerged from the debate about the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation as a blueprint for limited government.

3. Objective(s)
To explain how Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on central government and democracy are reflected in U.S. foundational documents.

4. Do Now
Read the Articles of Confederation. As you read, annotate the text by circling unfamiliar words, highlighting main ideas, and writing notes in the margin regarding power and authority granted to the federal versus state governments. When done, identify any potential problems the nation may face as a result of its first written constitution.

5. A. Attempts at Constitutionalism
State Constitutions
colonies formed new governments to transition into sovereign and independent states at onset of Revolutionary War in 1775
documents reflected anti-British sentiment and aspirations of Declaration of Independence
revolutionary ideas: all men are created equal, rights of individuals, and popular sovereignty

6. A. Attempts at Constitutionalism
Preamble to Georgia State Constitution (1777)
“The conduct of the legislature of Great Britain for many years past has been so oppressive on the people of America that of late years they have plainly declared and asserted a right to raise taxes upon the people of America, and to make laws to bind them in all cases whatsoever, without their consent; which conduct, being repugnant to the common rights of mankind, hath obliged the Americans, as freemen, to oppose such oppressive measures, and to assert the rights and privileges they are entitled to by the laws of nature and reason...”

7. A. Attempts at Constitutionalism
Articles of Confederation
nation’s first constitution created a “league of friendship” among states in 1781
established a weak central government and placed most powers in hands of states
failed due to national government’s inability to enforce tax law or regulate commerce AND no centralized military power (Shays’ Rebellion)

8. A. Attempts at Constitutionalism

9. B. Opposing Views at Convention
Striking a Balance in Government
delegates met in Philadelphia at Constitutional Convention to revise Articles in 1787
remained committed to liberty
problem: how to devise a government strong enough to maintain order, but not so strong as to threaten rights of individuals and states

10. B. Opposing Views at Convention
Federalist View
“nationalists” favored a strong government that would create a republic of the people to guard against factionalism by dispersing tyrannical majorities
strong federal institutions needed, as Articles of Confederation too weak to protect people from domestic and foreign threats

11. B. Opposing Views at Convention
Federalist View
horrified by rebels who took law into own hands and violated property rights of others and paranoid country slipping into anarchy

12. B. Opposing Views at Convention
Federalist View
“For God’s sake, if they have real grievances, redress them; if they have not, employ the force of government against them at once.”
- George Washington

13. B. Opposing Views at Convention
Anti-Federalist View
“states-righters” feared big government and felt liberty only secure in small societies governed by direct democracies
Articles of Confederation might be flawed, but should be reformed not completely scrapped

14. B. Opposing Views at Convention
Anti-Federalist View
recognized need for stronger government after Shays’ Rebellion, but paranoid about centralized rule creeping back into the picture

15. B. Opposing Views at Convention
Anti-Federalist View
“A little rebellion now and then is a good thing. The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants”
- Thomas Jefferson

16. C. Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Papers
Directions: Read Federalist 10 and Brutus 1. Annotate the text by circling unfamiliar words, highlighting main ideas, and writing notes in the margin. Then, complete the organizers to explain the author’s claims, perspectives, evidence, and rationale.