Purpose of the Declaration To announce to the world that the colonies were a new, independent nation To explain and justify the reasons that the united colonies had decided to become the United States to become the United States of America

The 4 Parts of the Declaration Preamble (Introduction) A theory of government A list of grievances against the King A formal resolution declaring independence from and war against Great Britain

The Declaration of Independence: Key Ideas of Government People have natural rights, including the rights to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Governments receive their power to govern “from the consent of the governed” by social contract or compact in which the government agrees to protect the people’s natural right. When a government fails to protect and respect those rights, it is the “Right of the People to alter or to abolish” that government.

Effects of the American Revolution States draft new constitutions emphasizing limitations on governmental power Great Britain recognizes the United States as an Independent nation Ideals of the Revolution influence events in other parts of the world Ideas of freedom and natural rights inspire some people to begin opposing slavery Traditional ideas about female social roles are re-examined

Articles of Confederation 1st Constitution of the United States Proposed by Second Continental Congress in 1777 Ratified in 1781 after all 13 states approved it.

Articles of Confederation: Overview Reflected the colonists’ fear of a strong central government and the desire of individual states to protect their powers. As a result, the Articles of Confederation created a weak national government.

Articles of Confederation: An Alliance of Independent States Created a confederation among the 13 states The Articles resembled a treaty among the states rather than a plan of centralized government. A confederation is an alliance among independent states in which the states give as much power as they choose to the central government, while keeping the greater part of the power and remaining sovereign.

Articles of Confederation: Powers of the National Government War and Diplomacy Establishment of a Federal System Western Lands… Northwest Ordinance

Articles of Confederation: Powers of Congress Established a unicameral (one-house) Congress Each state had One vote 2/3 of the States were required to pass legislation An Amendment to the Articles required a unanimous vote by the states (13 votes)

Articles of Confederation: Powers of Congress Delegated Powers Included: The conduct of wars, making treaties, and exchanging ambassadors with other nations Coining of money and regulating its value Establishing and regulating post offices Appointment of military officers Regulation of Indian Affairs Settlement, on appeal, of disputes between states

Articles of Confederation: Achievements Successful conclusion of the American Revolution Negotiation of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, ending the war and setting the United States border at the Mississippi River Passage of the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 Set the pattern by which new states could join the nation Prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory

Articles of Confederation: GUARENTEED THEY WILL BE ON THE REGENTS EXAM ***Weaknesses*** GET TO KNOW THESE WEAKNESSES… GUARENTEED THEY WILL BE ON THE REGENTS EXAM

STATES HAVE THE MOST POWER No executive officer to carry out laws of Congress No National Courts. Only State Courts exist States Supreme Over National Government 9 out of 13 states have to approve a law Congress has no power to tax Congress can’t regulate trade among states Each state coins its own money. No national currency

Questions to Consider… Why did the Articles of Confederation create a weak national government? Why was the period under the Articles of Confederation called the “critical period”?