The Critical Period

The Articles of Confederation Nov. 15, 1777 the Second Cont. Congress approved the Articles. Est. a “firm league of friendship” among the states

Each state kept its sovereignty, freedom, and independence States come together for common defense, securities of their liberties and mutual and general welfare.

Strengths of Articles Could raise and army Make treaties Borrow $$$ Was some state to state corporation

Weakness of the Articles One vote per state, regardless of size Congress powerless to tax Couldn’t regulate interstate commerce and trade No executive to enforce acts of Congress

Amendment only w/consent of all 13 states A 9/13 majority required to pass laws. Articles only a “firm league of friendship” No uniform $$$

A Need for a Stronger Gov’t The Articles were unable to deal w/the nations problems State bickering Economic chaos Violence- Shays Rebellion

The Constitutional Convention May 25, 1787 All but RI sent delegates (55 attended) Best and the brightest - Framers

The Constitution as a “Bundle of Compromises”

Representation in Congress Virginia Plan- based on population of state New Jersey Plan- each state have equal representation

The Great Compromise The Legislature consist of two houses (bicameral) A House of Representatives based on population A Senate with each state having equal representation.

Slavery Southern states wanted slaves to count toward congressional representation and for slaves not to be counted for direct taxation North supported opposite position

Three-Fifths Compromise Five slaves were to be counted as three free persons for both representation and taxation. (Congress was also forbidden to deal w/the issue of slavery for 20 years)

3. Tariffs Southern states (agriculture) opposed giving the central gov’t the power to tax The northern states (trade) wanted central gov’t to have the power to tax and establish uniform regulations and protections of shipping.

Tariff compromise Congress granted the power to control foreign commerce and to levy tariffs on imports but not on exports.

Delegates disagreed on term length 3 years to life 4. Presidency Delegates disagreed on term length 3 years to life Directly elected by the people and others suggested elected by Congress

Presidential Compromise Authorizing a four-year term Electoral College

Ratifying the Constitution

Federalist- favored ratification of Const. and strong federal gov’t Federalist Vs. Anti-federalist Federalist- favored ratification of Const. and strong federal gov’t James Madison, Alex Hamilton, and George Washington

Anti-Federalists- opposed ratification of Const Anti-Federalists- opposed ratification of Const. due to lack of a bill of rights and a too power central gov’t John Hancock Richard Henry Lee Patrick Henry Samuel Adams Thomas Jefferson

Compromise- Federalists agreed to add Bill of Rights after ratification.