1. Chapter 3 with Section 3 of Chapter 2
The Constitution
From PBS’ “Liberty” series, final Episode VI
“Are We to Be a Nation”
PBS Video, Mr. Danson has the DVD. 45 minutes, show video and then discuss the notes.
Chapter 3 with Section 3 of Chapter 2

2. Why did we watch part of the movie? How does it relate to unit on the U.S. Constitution?

3. The U. S. Constitution was NOT the first attempt at Government
The U.S. Constitution was NOT the first attempt at Government! The Articles of Confederation first government.

4. 1st & 2nd Continental Congresses began the country
2nd CC = Declaration of Independence, gov’t for Rev War
2nd Continental Congress wrote the Articles - took 3 1/2 years for ratification
needed all 13 states - Maryland held out over western lands
March 1, 1781, Articles went into effect thru March 4, 1789

5. Why didn’t the Articles work?
Weak central government, states fought, different states trying to make agreements with foreign governments, even thought forbidden. Different military. Taxed each others goods.
Needed 9 votes not just a majority, unanimous vote for amendment
No true executive or judicial branch
Not allowed to tax
Could not regulate trade – each state…
Could not enforce treaties – Britain & Spain…
No power to deal with Indians

6. Powers of the Confederation Congress (Central) were weak!!
Regulate weights & measures
Create post offices
Borrow & coin money
Direct foreign affairs, war, & peace
Build & equip a navy
Can ask for an army from the states
settle disputes between the states
Powers of the Confederation Congress (Central) were weak!!

7. Different State Currency
North Carolina
Pennsylvania

8. Violence breaks out in many states. Economic conditions worsen in Mass
Violence breaks out in many states. Economic conditions worsen in Mass. Farmers losing their land from debt etc.

9. Secret Meeting in Philadelphia
We the People, Lesson 11 work
Who Attended?

10. Headhouse on Second Street
We the People, Lesson 11 work

11. Constitution is the nation’s fundamental law.
It lay’s out the way the Federal Government is organized, how leaders are selected; procedures they follow and duties.
Preamble: States the purpose of the government.
The Constitution had to be ratified by at least nine states in order to become the law of the land. After two and a half years, all 13 states agreed to ratify the Articles of the Constitution. The Constitution and its Articles were adopted into the United States on September 17, 1787 during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. -

12. Preamble 7 Articles 27 Amendments First 10 Amendments = Bill of Rights

13. Constitution is based on Six Principles

14. Basic Principles - Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
Separation of Powers - powers are divided among 3 independent & coequal branches of gov’t
Checks & Balances - each branch of gov’t is subject to a number of checks or restraints by the other branches (see chart)

15. Principles of Constitution

16. Principle of the Constitution

18. Stop Here
2 Discovery Video -Just the Facts; the Constitution and The Constitution of the U.S.
Amendment Process & Bill of Rights
Judicial Review- Just the Facts; the Constitution & Supremacy clause.
7 Articles of the Constitution
Federalism- case study – Katrina & New Orleans