Chapter 1: Creating a Nation: Lesson 2 The Young Republic Chapter 1: Creating a Nation: Lesson 2

What makes a Republic ? Power Chief of State In a republic, power is vested in the citizens who have the right to vote. Elected officials carry out the will of the people and govern according to the laws that they have approved through legislative action. Chief of State The head of a republic is usually an elected president as opposed to a king or queen in a monarchy or a dictator in an autocracy.

Establishing the American republic What political ideas were common in the new nation? (read under the Political Ideas of the New Nation) Equality under the law, separated branches of government, and lists of guaranteed rights were common political ideas among the states.  What were the Articles of Confederation?   The Articles of Confederation were a document establishing a central national government for the states, though it was a very weak central government.

Articles of Confederation, continued Limited Powers Fear of tyranny caused leaders to develop a weak central government under the Articles of Confederation. Ideals The Continental Congress adopted The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union in November 1777. Each state would send delegates to the capital. This group, called the Congress, made up the entire government. There were no separate executive and judicial branches. (Slide 1) State Autonomy The central government could not regulate trade. States imposed taxes on imported goods, both foreign and from other states. Each state began to act as an independent country. Financial Problems Because the Articles of Confederation could not levy taxes or control trade, the government had very little money. Congress had the right to declare war, raise armies, and sign treaties. Congress could not impose taxes or regulate trade. (Slides 2–4) fear of dictatorship and fear of a repeat of the tyranny they had experienced at the hands of the British  Ideals= principle, standards or Autonomy= state independence (each state)

Articles of CONFEDERATION, continued  How did the Articles of Confederation make the central government economically weak? It could not raise money through taxes or set tariffs for trade. TARRIFFS (TAXES)

Great compromise Virginia plan New jersey plan  The Virginia Plan had a bicameral legislature(two houses or groups of representatives). Gave more power to national government. Representatives decided by state population.  The New Jersey Plan had a unicameral legislature (one house). Gave more power to state governments. Each state having equal representation.

Framework of government The Constitution divided government power between the federal and the state governments. The Constitution provides for a separation of powers among the three branches of the federal government. The two houses of Congress compose the legislative branch of the government. They make the laws. The executive branch, headed by a president, implements and enforces the laws passed by Congress. Members of the judicial branch of government can hear all cases arising under federal law and the Constitution. Under checks and balances, each branch has some ability to limit the power of the other branches. The president can propose legislation, appoint judges, put down rebellions, and veto or reject acts of Congress. The president is also the commander in chief of the armed forces. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses. The Senate also has to approve or reject presidential appointments to the executive branch as well as any treaties. Members of the judicial branch of government can hear all cases arising under federal law and the Constitution. The president can nominate members of the judiciary, but the Senate can confirm or reject such nominations. Once appointed, federal judges serve for life. This ensures their independence from the executive and the legislative branches. Go to day three framework slide

FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT CONT. In what ways did the new Constitution see to it that no one was given too much power?  Popular sovereignty created representatives elected by the people to represent them. Different branches of the government were created, and checks and balances were created so one branch would not have too much power.

The Rise of political parties What are implied powers, and which leaders were in favor of a strict interpretation of the Constitution?  (Implied powers are those powers of government not specifically mentioned in the Constitution but thought necessary for the government to do its job; Hamilton, Washington.)  What are enumerated powers? Which leaders were in favor of a strict interpretation of the Constitution?  (Enumerated powers are those powers of government specifically mentioned in the Constitution; Madison, Jefferson.)  What debate caused the development of political parties? Federalists approved of the Constitution. Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution. They wanted to protect the powers of the states and therefore wanted a bill of rights. These opposing views caused supporters of each view to join together, forming political parties.

Cont. The rise of the political parties Why was the election of 1800 important? It revealed a flaw in the Constitution over the voting for the chief executive and led to changes that actually strengthened the political party system.

The nineteenth century BEGINS What were the primary benefits of the Louisiana Purchase? Total control of the Mississippi River guaranteed control of trade and transportation; the land purchase made expansion and exploration possible. How did President Jefferson attempt to limit federal powers? Jefferson cut government spending, eliminated the whiskey tax, and planned to rely on local militia (soldiers) instead of a standing army.

The nineteenth century BEGINS What led to the War of 1812? The British stopped U.S. ships and impressed the sailors. Americans accused the British of inciting (provoking) Native Americans in the West to attack settlers. So Congress declared war. How was the Embargo Act of 1807 intended to hurt European countries?  The intent of the act was to hurt European countries financially with the loss of being able to trade with the United States.