1. The First Constitution
Articles of Confederation
Many states wanted to write their own Constitutions
Confederation: a loose alliance of states
The Articles of Confederation
had many problems!

2. A weak government Congress had little economic power No President
It was up to states to enforce laws
Congress could not tax
9 out of the 13 states had to pass laws
States all had different money systems
Congress could not regulate trade between states

3. Successes of the Articles of Confederation
Land Ordinance of 1785: Set up a system for settling the Northwest Territory
Separated region into territories
Created townships
Northwest Ordinance: set up a government for the Northwest Territory
Set up basic rights

4. The Farmers Rebel
Farmers angry over Congress’ inability to handle economic issues
Farmers had borrowed money to buy farms and equipment
Economic Depression:
Unemployment rises
Prices fall
Farmers cannot repay loans
Tried to capture an arsenal
Courts seized farms
Daniel Shay (farmer) led a rebellion in Boston
Attacked courthouses
Protected farms

5. A Change is needed
The Articles of Confederation created a Federal Government that was too weak
Delegates met at the Constitutional convention to change the Articles
Instead, they decided to throw them out and start over

6. Constitutional Convention
Delegates met in Philadelphia
Talks were held in secret
Each state had different needs and concerns
They were creating a representative government

7. Two Groups Divided Anti-Federalists Federalists
Opposed the constitution
Scared the national government would become too strong
Thought the constitution left the states too weak
Believed the constitution gave the President too much power (like a King)
Liked the Articles of Confederation
Federalists
Wanted a strong national government to work out state problems
Disliked the Articles of Confederation
Thought the constitution protected the individuals rights
Federalist Papers: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay

8. Representation in Congress
Big states wanted representation based on population
Small states wanted equal representation
The Virginia Plan
By James Madison
Wanted 3 branches (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
Legislative Branch would have 2 houses- both based on population
The New Jersey Plan
By Patterson
Wanted 3 branches of government
Legislative branch would have one house- each state would get one vote

9. The Great Compromise Proposed by Roger Sherman
3 branches of government
Legislative branch would have 2 houses (BICAMERAL LEGISLATURE)
House of Representatives:
representation is based on population
Senate: representation is equal (2 per state)

10. 3/5 Compromise
Southerners wanted to include slaves in population count
Northerners did not
COMPROMISE: 3/5 of slaves would be counted towards population

11. Slave Trade Southerners did not want Congress to end the slave trade
Congress agreed that they would not outlaw slavery for at least 20 years

12. Signing the Constitution
September 17, 1787
9 out of 13 states signed the Constitution and it was officially the new government of the United States of America