The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government that lacked power to tax, regulate trade between states, or raise an army. This instability was exacerbated by economic troubles after the Revolutionary War. In response, the Constitutional Convention proposed a new Constitution with a stronger federal government consisting of legislative, executive, and judicial branches separated by checks and balances. However, some opposed this, fearing a loss of state power. The Constitution was narrowly ratified after compromises like equal representation in the Senate.

1. U.S. Chapter 7 A More Perfect Union 1777-1790

2. Questions to Consider How does American distrust in central government shape their new form of government? How did the Articles of Confederation create instability in the new US government? Is the Constitution a legal document? Would you be a Federalist or an Anti-Federalist? Explain.

3. The Articles of Confederation Section 7.1

4. 7.1 Timeline 1777-1790

5. England’s Disrespect Ignore the Treaty of Paris Troops on the frontier No representative sent to US from Britain British felt new American government was weak and ineffective

6. Thirteen Independent States Each state required to create a state constitution Less central government power Some states limited power of governors Separation of Power Bicameral legislatures Division of governmental powers and duties Frequent elections; popularly elected

7. Forming a Republic Separate state governments allied to create national government Single national government should be a republic Citizens rule through elected representatives Would the central government be strong or weak?

8. Forming a Republic

9. Forming a Republic Problems with Articles of Confederation Little federal power (states retained their power) No taxing power No commerce (trade) power Inability to raise troops No Chief Executive or Court Difficult to pass laws (9 of 13 needed) Approving the Articles Unanimous consent needed (all 13 states needed)

10. New Land Policies Few settlers lived west of Appalachians 13 States were making claims to these lands (p. 191) Claims were abandoned, national government took control (1780s -1790s) Territories, based on population, were allowed to petition for statehood Northwest Ordinance (1787) created single Northwest Territory (p. 193) No slavery or involuntary servitude allowed Originally proposed by Thomas Jefferson New states would be on “equal footing” with 13 originals

11. Trouble on Two Fronts New currency depreciated Inflation of goods resulted War left Confederation Congress in debt Could not tax, could not pay back debt States did not contribute much money Robert Morris proposes 5% import tax, but failed to be ratified Foreign problems; England and Spain Exposed need for stronger central government

12. Convention and Compromise Section 7.2

13. 7.2 Timeline 1783-1789

14. Economic Depression Depression: economic activity slows and unemployment increases Farmers could not sell their goods or pay taxes Shays’ Rebellion 1,000 farmers revolt in MA led by Daniel Shays Private militia hired, no federal help Issue of Slavery Some states free, others not Divided the new country

15. A Call for Change Revolution created a union of 13 states, not a nation Federalists – supported weak national government Nationalists – supported stronger national government Shays’ Rebellion highlighted the need for stronger federal government Washington now supports need for revising Articles of Confederation James Madison (Virginia) Alexander Hamilton (New York)

16. The Constitutional Convention Meeting in Philadelphia in May 1787 Purpose: To revise the Articles of Confederation 55 delegates, highly educated, “achievers” George Washington presides Not publicized, highly secret Edmund Randolph proposed Virginia Plan (stronger national government) Mostly written by James Madison Called for a vote to start a new document

17. The Constitutional Convention The Virginia Plan End state sovereignty Bicameral (proportional representation) Executive and Judicial Branch The New Jersey Plan Unicameral (equal representation) The Great Compromise (Connecticut Plan) Bicameral, Senate equal, House proportional

18. Compromise Wins Out House of Representatives Proportional representation; elected every 2 years Senate Equal representation; elected every 6 years The Three-Fifths Compromise Slaves counted for tax and representation Slave Trade No interference until 1808 Bill of Rights George Mason’s plan defeated, refused to sign Constitution Approving the Constitution 9 of 13 needed by the states

19. A New Plan of Government Section 7.3

20. Roots of the Constitution Greece (Aristotle) European Philosophers (Thomas Hobbes, Enlightenment ideas) John Locke: “Natural rights” Baron de Montesquieu: Separation of powers, limited government British ideas Magna Carta: limited power English Bill of Rights (1689)

21. The Federal System Shared powers Federalism is shared powers between federal and state governments Constitution gained power to tax, regulate trade, control currency, raise an army, declare war Constitution: The Supreme Law of the Land States could not make laws which contradict Constitution Constitution was final authority

22. The Organization of Government Three Branches Legislative: makes laws, collects taxes, regulates trade, issues currency (Article I) Executive: enforces laws, diplomacy, commander in chief (Article II) Judicial: interprets laws and actions (Article III)

23. The Organization of Government

24. A New Plan of Government System of Checks and Balances No one branch gaining too much power The world watched and wondered would we fail

25. Ratifying the Constitution Section 7.4

26. 7.4 Timeline 1787-1789

27. Compromise Wins Out In order to revise the Articles of Confederation, 13 out of 13 had to agree The meeting in Philadelphia was with intention to revise Rhode Island did not send delegates, which meant revision was impossible Meeting was held anyway Confederation Congress with 55 delegates approved Constitution Changed unanimous to 9 of 13 votes needed for approval

28. The Constitutional Debate Federalists [Nationalists] versus Anti-Federalists [Federalists] (1787 – 1793) Federalists supported stronger, central government (and Constitution) Federalist papers (Madison, Hamilton, and Jay) published to explain Constitution Anti-Federalists feared losing state rights would destroy what they fought for Called for Bill of Rights

29. Questions to Consider How does American distrust in central government shape their new form of government? How did the Articles of Confederation create instability in the new US government? Is the Constitution a legal document? Would you be a Federalist or an Anti-Federalist? Explain.