Unit 3:The Constitution

Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation was written during the American Revolution. Americans fear a powerful national government. As a result, the Articles created a government that had no executive branch and lack the power to tax, regulate commerce, or establish a national currency.

Articles of confederation Provided for the continuation of Congress, with state delegates appointed and paid by each state. Congress was given numerous rights. Weaknesses Could not levy taxes; it could only ASK states for funds. Congress could not pay the Continental Army. Any change required a unanimous vote from all 13 states. This meant any one state could block a measure, even if it were supported by the other 12.

Shay’s rebellion Daniel Shay led more than a thousand farmers, like him. Burdened with personal debts caused by economic problems stemming from the states Revolutionary War debts in 1786. Without the power to tax, America’s weak government couldn’t repair the national economy.

Ratification of the constitution In May 1787, George Washington became president of the Constitutional Convention supporting the establishment of a stronger central government. He and the founding Fathers created a federalist form of government for the United States.

The great compromise One great issue the delegates faced in making a new government was how different sized states could have equal representation. Larger states supported the idea where representation should be based off population known as the Virginia Plan. Significant because it would propose the three branches of government.

The Great Compromise Smaller states supported the idea in which all the states would be equally represented known as the New Jersey plan. The compromise made a legislature of two chambers (Bicarmal legislature): House of Representatives, which was based off of population Senate, where all states have equal representation.

slavery Slavery existed in all states, southern states depended on slave labor Their economies were based on producing cash crop. Southern states demanded that slaves be counted towards population. Northern states resisted. After debating, a compromise was made also known as the 3/5 Compromise. This allowed the states to count 3/5 of their slaves to their population.

Separation of powers Many still feared a strong central government so the framers of the Constitution created a limited government. Limited Government is divided powers leading to the branches of government today. 3 branches: Executive, legislative, and judicial branches To further safeguard against the abuse of power, the Constitution gave each branch of government a way to check and balance the power of the other branches.

Checks and Balances The president (EXECUTIVE BRANCH)has the power to of veto over acts of Congress; he or she may simply refuse to sign into law a bill Congress has passed. The Congress (LEGISLATIVE BRANCH) may override a presidential veto, if both the House and the Senate vote to override by a two-thirds majority. The judiciary (JUDICIAL BRANCH) determines the constitutionality of laws passed by Congress and signed by the president. The ultimate check in this system is that the president, vice president, and federal judges are subject to impeachment and removal for violation of their oaths of office.

Issues and solutions of the constitution Balance of power between central and local governments Balance of power between states with large and small populations Slavery questions A Federal System, in which the national government would share power with the state government. The Great Compromise Only 3/5 of states slaves would be counted.

Federalist & anti-federalist Federalist wanted a strong central government. Anti-Federalist are opposed to a strong central government. To get the Anti-federalist to agree with the type of government, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and others wrote a document called The federalist Papers. This document created what we have today the Bill of Rights. This also created states rights.

Federalist & anti-federalists Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay Favored a strong and active federal govt. Opposed limiting government powers strictly to those granted in the Constitution Supported the idea of a national bank. Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George Mason Wanted to limit federal power (more power to the state level) Supported strong state powers Defended the interests of farmers over commerce

Bill of rights Consist of the first ten amendments to the U.S Constitution, added in 1791, and consisting of a formal list of citizens’ rights and freedoms, such as speech, religion, and the press. The Bill of Rights ultimately serves as a protector of individual and states’ rights by limiting the power of the National Government. Discussion: Give examples of HOW the Bill of Rights limits the power of the National Government.

Presidency of George Washington First president of the United states. He set important patterns for future presidents. He favored nonintervention in Europe. In 1793, the French government went to war with Britain and Spain. President Washington proclaimed that the nation would remain strictly neutral. However, the French expected American support. Why??

Nonintervention "My policy has been, and will continue to be, while I have the honor to remain in the administration of the government, to be upon friendly terms with, but independent of, all the nations of the earth. To share in the broils of none. To fulfil our own engagements. To supply the wants, and be carriers for them all: Being thoroughly convinced that it is our policy and interest to do so."

Whiskey Rebellion 1791: A law is passed that allowed the govt. to tax whiskey makers. Farmers of Pennsylvania quickly assembled Govt. ordered the arrest of the ringleaders; rebel farmers in Pennsylvania prevented the arrests. The rebels exchanged gunfire with govt. representatives, burned property of tax inspectors, and marched on Pittsburgh. Forced Washington to utilize a national army to stop domestic unrest.

Political Parties Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were apart of Washington Administration Thomas Jefferson believed that the national government must limit its power to those describe by the constitution. Hamilton wanted to expand the power of the government to stabilize the nation and its economy. Outcome? First political parties arose because of Hamilton’s influence in Washington’s administration. In Washington Farwell address he warned of the dangers of political parties.

Presidency of John Adams John Adams was the second president of the United State Elected in 1796 His presidency was plagued by conflicts with France and Great Britain which crippled the economy. Congress during this time increased citizenship requirements. Congress also tried to limit speech and press rights. Jefferson and Madison argued states can refuse to enforce federal laws they did not agree with( States rights concept)

Major events of john Adams’ presidency Alien and Sedition Acts Alien Act: Deportation for any potentially threatening foreigner. Sedition Act: Fines and imprisonment for anyone opposing government measures. Naturalization Act: 14 years of residency for citizenship (increased citizenship requirements) Alien Enemies Act: Prison or deportation for alien subjects of an enemy nation in time of war. The Democratic-Republicans accused the Federalists of a “reign of terror.”

Sample Question John Locke’s theory that all people have basic natural rights directly influenced A. The Proclamation of 1763 B. the Declaration of Independence C. the outbreak of the French and Indian War D. the expansion of the transatlantic mercantilism.

Sample Question John Locke’s theory that all people have basic natural rights directly influenced A. The Proclamation of 1763 B. the Declaration of Independence C. the outbreak of the French and Indian War D. the expansion of the transatlantic mercantilism.

Sample Question The Bill of Rights was adopted by Congress in 1791 to preserve which political principle? A. the separation of powers B. the restriction of political terms C. the prohibition of racial discrimination D. the limitation of the federal government.

Sample Question The Bill of Rights was adopted by Congress in 1791 to preserve which political principle? A. the separation of powers B. the restriction of political terms C. the prohibition of racial discrimination D. the limitation of the federal government.