NOTES: Americans Revolt!

Britain Imposes New Regulations on the American Colonists Why? British victory in French and Indian War results in more territory which means more problems and more costs. Such as? Proclamation of 1763 to halt westward settlement, Quartering Act to support British troops, and taxes (Sugar, Stamp, Townshend, etc.)

II. Colonial Resistance Why? 150 years of “salutary neglect” King’s tyranny (unjust use of government power) “no taxation without representation” How? Boycotts Boston Massacre committees of correspondence Protests-Boston Tea Party

III. Declaring Independence Thomas Paine writes Common Sense convincing Americans that peace with Great Britain is not possible Thomas Jefferson and others write the Declaration of Independence in 1776 Influenced by English philosopher John Locke’s idea of “inalienable rights” life, liberty and pursuit of happiness (rights that are natural to all and can’t be taken away) It’s too late to apologize

http://www.history.com/shows/america-the-story-of-us/videos/american-revolution `

Aftermath Each state had its own Constitution Separated powers of government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches Typically limited voting rights to white men who paid taxes or owned a certain amount of property. Only New Jersey gave rights women and African Americans who owned property. 0 of the original 13 states outlawed slavery, and all states south of Pennsylvania denied slaves equal rights as human beings.

Articles of Confederation Drafted in 1777 when many Americans feared a powerful national government. This is the first U.S. Constitution. AOC created a framework for a loose confederation of states. Congress could only declare war, negotiate with foreign countries, establish a postal system, and settle disputes between the states. It had no power to tax, no leader, and no court. Did not set up an executive branch to carry out the laws or a judicial branch to settle legal questions.

Problems Arise Congress’s weakness Debt Trade Interstate commerce Tariffs

Shay’s Rebellion - 1787 In 1787, Daniel Shays led about 1,200 followers in an uprising in Massachusetts. The farmers were protesting widespread farm foreclosures. This led many wealthy Americans to worry that these types of uprisings might continue to occur and threaten to destroy the liberty that had been won in the American Revolution. Shay’s Rebellion causes the U.S. to draft a new constitution with more power.

A New Constitution…Based on Enlightenment Philosophers The delegates were influenced by John Locke’s ideas about natural rights. Montesquieu, another Enlightenment thinker favored a three part government with separation of powers, that work together in a system of checks and balances limiting the power of the others.

The New Constitution The Great Compromise Three Branches of Gov’t Combination of the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan. Senate- equal House- based on population Led to the 3/5 Compromise over the representation of slaves Three Branches of Gov’t Separation of Powers Established a system of checks and balances Bill of Rights would be later added after Anti – Federalist concerns.

Constitutional Interpretation Strict Constructionist vs. Loose Interpretation Strict Constructionist - interpreting the Constitution based on a literal and narrow definition of the language. Government can only do exactly what the constitution says and NO MORE. Loose/Broad Interpretation refers to how a judge interprets laws. Anything not specifically prohibited is OK.

E Pluribus Unum Latin for "Out of many, one” (alternatively translated as "One out of many was considered a de facto motto of the United States until 1956 adopting "In God We Trust"

Foundations of America Timeline Turn your notebook sideways, and draw a horizontal line in the middle of a blank page. List the events in chronological order on the timeline, and provide a date. For each event include an illustration or symbol to represent the event.   Articles of Confederation Magna Carta US Constitution Mayflower Compact Stamp Act The Declaration of Independence Bill of Rights Thomas Paine Publishes “Common Sense”