1. Confederation and the Constitution

2. Confederation
In the Declaration of Independence, Americans looked to form a REPUBLIC: a government in which citizens rule through elected representatives.
Second Continental Congress in 1781 set up Articles of Confederation, an alliance among the 13 states to work together.

3. Problems with the Articles of Confederation
Each state got 1 vote regardless of population
Any changes in articles must be approved by all states
No executive branch or legal branch to enforce laws.
Each state still acting as individuals, not as a unified country.

4. National Debt caused troubles
America had huge debt from revolution. States raised taxes, hurting farmers.
Daniel Shay led farmers to force courts to stop them from taking away land to pay debts. Quickly put down, killing 4 farmers.
Shay’s Rebellion made people see need for a stronger national government.

5. Compromise
How do you have fair representation of both large and small states?
James Madison wanted 2 separate houses, both based on population. Smaller states opposed it
The Compromise was for 2 houses, one based on population (House of Representative) and one on having equal representation of each state (Senate)

6. The 3/5 Compromise Shame on you, America!
Southern States wanted Slaves to count in population for house of representatives
Northerners, who had few slaves, argued against it.
Compromise said 3/5 of slave population would be counted, or slaves = 3/5 a regular person
Shame on you, America!

7. Separation of Powers LEGISLATIVE: Congress. Job is to Make laws
To limit authority of national government, they created 3 branches of government.
LEGISLATIVE: Congress. Job is to Make laws
EXECUTIVE: President. Job is to carry out laws.
JUDICIAL: Supreme Court. Job is to hear cases

8. Checks & Balances
They established this three branch system so that one group couldn’t dominate the other two.

9. Electoral College
When electing a president, Delegates feared putting too much power in hands of the people.
Each state would choose electors based on number of senators & congressmen
This Electoral College would then elect the president.
Still used today
We Know!

10. Ratifying the Constitution

11. Federalists vs. Anti-federalists
Wanted a balance of power between states and central government
The Federalist Papers told why there should be a central gov.
Madison, Hamilton, & Jay
ANTI-FEDERALISTS
Opposed strong, central government, so they opposed the constitution
Letters from a Federal Farmer told why no central gov.
Protect freedom of press, religion, other rights

12. Bill of Rights
All individual states guaranteed rights of individual citizens
Anti-federalists wanted a written guarantee in the constitution
Feared big government
Federalists said not necessary, but relented
Bill of rights spells out individuals rights in the constitution

13. Know your rights! First Amendment guarantees citizens to freedom of
religion,
speech,
the press
political activity

14. Know your rights!
2nd Amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms as members of the militia
3rd Amendment says government can not put troops in your house during times of peace

15. Know your rights!
4th Amendment says government cannot search you or your home without a warrant

16. Good stuff to Know Articles of Confederation Shay’s Rebellion
3/5 compromise
Electoral College
Federalist Papers
Letters from a Federal Farmer
What were some problems with the Articles of Confederation?
What are the three branches of government? What are their jobs?
Federalists vs. Anti-federalists: what are the differences.