Chapter 7: Creating a Republic 1776 – 1790 Is isn’t as easy as we thought it would be!

Section 1: A Loose Confederation We won the war. Hooray! WE are now the United States of America!!! Woo hoo! Now what?!?! States write (state) constitutions Some include a bill of rights; most just explain how gov’t. is to function

Articles of Confederation 1st written form of national gov’t. in U.S. Actually created during the war (1777) Reality: The states didn’t want to give up power to a central (federal) gov’t. Were afraid of another king Created a loose confederation of states Many, many problems! (weaknesses)

National Gov’t. Under the A of C Congress Could Maintain an army Declare war and peace Make treaties/alliances with other nations Borrow money Establish a post office Regulate coinage Manage affairs with Native Americans Have input: each state had 1 vote in legislature Congress Could Not Levy taxes on states Prevent states from issuing their own money Elect a president Amend the articles without consent of all 13 states Require states to provide money for running the nat’l. gov’t. Regular trade/commerce Enforce a law in any state that did not accept that law Could not establish a court system to settle differences between states (example: NY and NH both claimed VT)

Land (Northwest) Ordinance of 1785 *Set up a system for organizing the NW Territory Divided the areas into townships 6 miles x 6 miles Further divided into 36 sections (1 x 1) $ from the sale of section 16 goes to support schools/education *Established government for NW Territory How states can enter union Slavery isn’t necessary in these states *Signs of this exist in Midwest today! Just fly over and see!

1st True Test of the A of C: Shay’s Rebellion Violated Treaty: refused to leave Ohio Valley b/c furs Amer. cheating on Treaty, too. Britain Shay’s Rebellion 1786: Vets from War Daniel Shays— Vet, farmer, debtor (Mass) Effects Causes Debtors vs. Creditors Annapolis Convention Sept. ’86 Only 6 states came Spain Did not recognize Treaty; closed Miss. Ri. to U.S. travel Creditors want higher taxes to make their $ back  foreclosures Constitutional Convention May – Sept 1787 Philadelphia “We’ll strengthen the A of C.”

Section 2: The Constitutional Convention Who? 55 delegates, inc. Geo Washington (Pres. of the Convention), Ben Franklin, James Madison "The Father of the Constit.", Alex Hamilton, no Rhode Island What? + Why? "Rewrite" the A of Conf., but saw need to start from scratch. Secret talks-doors, windows shut. When? May- Sept. 1787 Where? Philadelphia, Penn. "Pennsylvania State House", today called "Independence Hall"

Details about the Constitution Original document: 1787 Preamble (introduction): explains the purpose of the Constitution 7 Articles explain how the 3 branches will work, explains relationships between states, how to amend (change) the Constit. NO Bill of Rights in the original document; NO Amendments in the original document

THE CONSTITUTION IS THE SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No law that individual states may pass can go against what is written in the Constitution.

Section 3: Ideas Behind the Constitution Really Old Ideas Greece: a Democracy- a form of gov’t in which citizens rules themselves; vote on issues, etc. Rome: a Republic- a form of gov't in which citizens rule themselves thru elected representatives Who serve b/c they wanted to without pay (Turned into a dictatorship eventually)

Not Quite as Old Ideas (but still pretty old…) Magna Carta: 1215- King John forced King to NOT be a dictator; consult a council (who became Parliament) English Bill Of Rights- 1689 protects rights of citizens trial by jury habeas corpus (Latin: you shall have the body — which means, right to appear in court) bear arms

Enlightenment Ideas John Locke 1. All people have the right (natural right) to life, liberty, property 2. Gov't. is a contract/ agreement btwn the people and the ruler if he isn't doing his job, people have a right to rebel

Enlightenment Ideas Baron de Montesquieu Written law it VITAL Power should be divided into 3 branches- legislative- makes laws executive- carries out laws judicial- judges/interprets laws Separation of powers prevents any one person or group from getting too much power

American Ideas Mayflower Compact – 1620 Virginia House of Burgesses – 1619 Most colonies have written Constitutions Some guarantee basic rights All explain how gov’t. functions

Section 4: Ratification and the Bill of Rights Federalists Want a strong federal (central or national) gov't. A of C gave too much power to states; too weak overall "This doc. protects states rights and powers" (Constitution as written) James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay wrote "The Federalist Papers" “Too long of a list to include all rights." Antifederalists Felt constit. gave too much power to fed. gov't., left states too weak Prez. too powerful "no more kings" Needs a Bill of Rights to protect individuals Patrick Henry, George Mason, John Adams “A gov't can't function properly without it, though!" Two opinions about whether the original document, with just the 7 articles, was enough. Sparked a national debate.

Ratification of Original Constitution 1st to Ratify: Delaware “The Constitution State” 9 of the 13 states had to approve Constitution, and then it became law FOR ALL Happened by June of 1788

The Bill of Rights 1789 12 amendments were proposed 10 were approved Became known as “Bill of Rights” Guarantees: “The Big 5” (1st amendment) Speech, press, assembly, petition, religion Rights of the accused Including trial by jury, habeas corpus, due process of law Discusses division of state and federal responsibility