Creating A Constitution Chapter Seven Creating A Constitution

Governing a New Nation What problems would America face after The Revolution?

Governing a New Nation Section 7-1 How did the Colonists experience with British rule shape state governments and the Articles of Confederation? What is necessary for a country to have a good government? Why did the Articles of Confederation fail to be a working government?

Essential Questions Continued What problems did the United States face in it’s early years under the Articles of Confederation? How was Shay’s Rebellion a force of change in the United States?

Government by States 1776 States begin to write new state constitutions Constitution- document stating the rules under which a government will operate.

Features of State Governments Minimized the powers of Governors Strong state legislatures Extended Suffrage to more people Many states included a Bill of Rights i.e. Virginias Bill of Rights on P.205

Articles of Confederation Our nation’s first Central or Federal Government. Established in 1777 and lasted until 1788. Made purposefully weak because Americans do not trust strong central governments.

Form of the Articles of Confederation Only a loose agreement among the states; States held most of the power. One branch of government. (Legislative) Each state had one vote in Congress. 9 of 13 must agree to make a law.

Limits of the Articles of Confederation No Executive Branch No Judicial Branch Could not regulate trade Could not tax Could not enforce the laws that it made.

Powers of the Articles Deal with Native Americans and foreign nations Declare war Coin or borrow money Run a postal service

Successes of the Articles of Confederation Won The Revolution Negotiated a Peace Treaty with Britain Land Ordinance of 1785 Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Problems Facing the Nation Lack of interstate trade due to inconsistent currency and 13 different trade and commerce policies. Economic Depression- Spain Cut off the Port of New Orleans Shays Rebellion is a response to many of these issues. Government had no power to tax

Problems Facing the Nation British remain in the Northwest Territory.