1. Chapter 2
The Constitution

2. Wanted: A government that…
Has enough power to do its job
Doesn’t give anyone too much power
Considers the needs of all states
Lets people have a voice
Protects individual rights

3. ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
In 1777, the Americans wrote their first plan for government in a document called the
ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

4. The Articles of Confederation
A confederation is a _________ of individuals _______ together for a _________.
group
united
purpose 4

5. The Articles of Confederation
Each state was _________________ and had its own ________________.
Each state would send _______________ to the “Congress of the Confederation.”
The Congress was the only ____________ government. There was no ___________.
In Congress, each state got _______ vote.
independent
government
representatives
central
President
one

6. A Rocky Relationship Hey, this sounds great! Wait! Not so fast…
States get to keep their ______ and ____________
No _____________ telling the states what to do
Congress had the power to create a _________ to ________all the states
Congress had no way to __________ its _______!
Congress had no power to collect _________ to pay for the military!
The Articles could only be _________ if ______ the states agreed!
power
independence
enforce
laws
government
taxes
military
protect
changed
ALL

7. Articles of Confederation
A New Idea!
Articles of Confederation
New Idea
1 Branch
Legislative—makes laws
3 Branches

8. VA v. NJ The Virginia Plan The New Jersey Plan
Legislative branch has ___ “chambers”
Number of votes for each state depends on the state’s ___________
________ states would have more power
Drafted by James Madison 2
Legislative branch has ___ “chamber”
Each state gets ___ vote
________ states would have more power 1 1
Smaller
population
Larger

9. The Constitution Solution: The Great Compromise
Legislative:
Makes laws
Divide Congress Into Two Houses
Senate
House of Representatives
Each state gets 2 votes. (similar to NJ plan)
-Began with 26 members
-Now has 100
The more people the state has, the more votes it gets! (Similar to VA plan)
-Began with about 65 members
N-ow has 435 members
Executive:
Carries out laws
Judicial:
Interprets laws

10. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
-Supported Constitution
-Against Bill of Rights (thought it was unnecessary)
-John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison
-Against Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was added
-Favored states rights and the Articles of Confederation
-Thomas Jefferson, George Mason, Patrick Henry

11. Compromises Bill of Rights added to appease Anti-Federalists
Bill of Rights included:
Freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition
Right to bear arms
Right against cruel and unusual punishment
Prohibited unlawful search and seizure
Right to a trial by jury
States rights

12. Slavery & the Constitution
No mention of slavery
Slaves made up a ⅓ of the population in 5 of the 13 original states
For purposes of seats in the House of Representatives, slaves counted as “three-fifths” of a free person
Slaves who escaped to free states were not free
Federal government could not ban slave trade

13. Ms. Ottenberg’s Docket 9/5-9/6
Complete Constitution questions
Pick up Ch. 1 Quiz Review guide (not collected, for your reference only)
Quiz covers: Preamble (purposes of government) & Ch. 1 notes only!
Work on project (if time)
Late: Purpose of Gov’t Chart
Coming up: Ch. 1 quiz next class, Finish Constitution notes (principles of Constitution), Candidate Profile sheet due 9/13-9/14

14. Key Constitutional Principles
THE CONSTITUTION
Key Constitutional Principles

15. Concept 1: Separation of Powers
A way of dividing power among three branches of government in which members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the president, and the federal courts are selected by and responsible to different constituencies.

16. Concept 2: Checks and Balances
A government structure that gives each of the three branches of government some degree of oversight and control over the actions of the others

17. Concept 3: Federalism
System of government in which power is divided between the national government and the state governments and in which independent states are bound together under one national government

18. Concept 4: Limited Government
National Government
May not violate the Bill of Rights
May not impose export taxes among states
May not use money from the Treasury without the passage and approval of an appropriations bill
May not change state boundaries
A type of government in which its functions and powers are written, limited, and restricted by law to protect the citizenry.
State Government
May not enter into treaties with other countries
May not print money
May not tax imports or exports
May not Impair obligations of contracts
May not suspend a person's rights without due process

19. Concept 5: Individual Rights/Liberties
The Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments) was added to protect the rights of individuals. This was to ensure the government did not pass or enforce any law that could severely limit the rights of people.

20. Concept 6: Judicial Review
Powers are granted to the judiciary to review and interpret laws. They may uphold or overturn legislation.

21. Concept 7: Popular Sovereignty
This concept provides that the people vote for their government. They elect candidates and decide the issues.