Articles of Confederation During the Revolutionary War the American states began to adopt their own constitutions (written plan of government). The states viewed themselves as free and independent nations, not as one nation. The Continental Congress adopted a plan for a confederation during the Revolutionary War. These Articles of Confederation became the basis for the first national government.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Congress could not levy taxes. Congress could not regulate trade between the states (interstate commerce) or foreign trade. No standing army. No national court system. No executive branch of government. All 13 states had to agree to any changes to the Articles of Confederation.

The United States Constitution The Articles of Confederation ultimately failed because it gave TOO MUCH power to state levels of government…not enough power to the federal level (Shay’s Rebellion!). The new US Constitution evolved to give MORE power to the federal level.

Ideas found in our current democracy Checks and Balances/Separation of Powers Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Federalism Rule of Law

Historically, Americans always fear a “too powerful” government…reminds of The King.

Popular Sovereignty The power to rule belongs to the people. “Consent of the governed” “We the People of the United States …do ordain and establish the Constitution for the United States of America.”

Limited Government Government can only do the things the people have given it the power to do.

Federalism

Rule of Law Government and its officials are subject to the law, never above the law.

Federalists vs. Antifederalists The Constitution of the United States was approved by the convention and signed by 39 of the delegates on Sept. 17, 1787. Not all Americans, or all of the delegates to the convention, approved of the final document. This lead to a heated debate across the nation between proponents of the plan and opponents of the plan. Federalists – supporters of the Constitution. Antifederalists – opponents of the Constitution.

Manifest Destiny…

Manifest Destiny leads to debate about expansion of slavery…

Legacy of Manifest Destiny and Expansion… United States fights war with Mexico… Millions of Native Americans killed. …debate over slavery leads to Civil War

Impact on Regions North South Manufacturing prospered due to the need for war materials. Industrialization speeds up. Inflation did go up 182% Costs = $2.3 Billion Debt = $2.7 Billion Federal Government (until 1877 controls the South harshly Economically…far better off than the South South Plantation economic system is dead and gone since slavery is abolished. Inflation peaks at 7000% Costs = $1 Billion Debt = $1.8 Billion Rise of Jim Crow/KKK/segregation Public education becomes more widespread Racism persists