Chapter 5 Section 1

Terms and People Republic – a government in which the people elect their representatives Unicameral legislature – lawmaking body with a single house whose representatives are elected by the people Bicameral legislature – a lawmaking body with two houses, a Senate and a House of Representatives Articles of Confederation – the original federal constitution drafted by the Continental Congress John Dickinson – a member of the Continental Congress and leader of the committee that wrote the Articles of Confederation

Terms and People Federal – national Northwest Territory – vast territory north of Ohio and west of Pennsylvania to the Mississippi River, which was key to expanding the republic. Land Ordinance of 1785 – plan to dispense and distribute public land in the Northwest Territory Northwest Ordinance of 1787 – plan for governing and creating new state carved out of the Northwest Territory Shay’s Rebellion – an uprising of armed farmers marching on a federal arsenal in Springfield, Massachusetts, in protest against higher taxes.

What form of national government did the Patriots create initially What form of national government did the Patriots create initially? What events revealed that a new government was necessary? After the Revolutionary War, the Patriots feared entrusting the Congress with too much power. Most authority remained with the states. But strong state governments and a weak national government led to problems.

Congress encouraged the former colonies to create state constitutions Although state constitutions varied, each provided for a republic where people voted for their representatives. Patriots disagreed over the design of these republics, especially over how much power to give the common people.

Governments Weak state governments with most of their power in a popularly elected legislature. Unicameral or one house legislature with either a weak governor or none at all. A large House of Representatives with small districts so that the people had more control Democratic Patriots like Thomas Paine wanted more power for common people

Conservative Patriots like John Adams feared giving power to the common people. They favored: A governor with broad powers A bicameral legislature, with two houses An upper house or senate made up of wealthy, well-educated gentlemen who would balance a lower house elected by the common people.

There was also debate over who should vote Democratic states like Pennsylvania allowed all male taxpayers over age 21 to vote Conservative states preserved colonial requirements of property ownership for voting None gave the vote to women or to slaves In time, most grew more democratic with the lower house gaining more power.

Most new state constitutions guaranteed freedom of religion Previously, colonies collected taxes for religious institutions Now, religious freedom and pluralism became the norm The Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom set the example. It allowed for religious liberty free of state influence.

The Articles of Confederation was created by the Continental Congress The first national constitution created a loose confederation or league of states in 1777 Congress drafted the Articles under John Dickinson of Pennsylvania Congress’s power was limited to prevent the problems experienced under Britain.

With the Articles, government power was limited Congress implemented and enforced laws Executive power was shared by committees Each state had one vote in Congress Minor issues were passed by a simple majority. Major issues, like declaring war, required 9 states. Amendments to the Articles required the agreement of all 13 states.

Congress had a limited roles Congress could: Declare war or conduct foreign policy Administer relations with Indian nations Congress could not: Tax Regulated commerce between states or states and foreign nations There was no federal court systems

The Articles Created a method to settle and govern the Northwest Territory

The Land Ordinance of 1785 Established a method to distribute public land Surveyors divided the territory into a N-S and E-W grid to establish hundreds of townships Each township was subdivided into one square mile (640 acre) squares to sell at $1.00 each. Many farmers couldn’t afford the $1.00 an acre, and some land speculators got special deals.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 Set up a system to govern territories and create states Congress established a territorial government and appointed a governor Once there were 5,000 men, an assembly could be elected. The appointed governor retained veto power. Settlers were guaranteed freedom of religion, trial by jury, and rights of common law Once there were 60,000 residents, a territory could apply for statehood It abandoned the British model of keeping colonies permanently subordinate.

The Northwest Ordinance Barred slavery Required a republican constitution Promised settlers basic freedoms Ignored the rights of Native Americans Resulted in five new states: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota.

European nations did not take the new nation seriously Britain denied American ships access to the British West Indies and the right to export goods to Britain on American ships Spain forbade American trade with New Orleans Britain kept soldiers in frontier forts located in the Northwest Territory

Problems The nation’s debt was mounting The economic depression was deepening as debts, bankruptcies, and foreclosures grew Shay’s Rebellion demonstrated the Federal government’s weakness Foreign nations did not respect the United States.