The Nation’s First Government Chapter 2.3

Early State Constitutions January 1776, New Hampshire became the first colony to organize a constitution, soon other “states” followed suit. Each state had the following Legislatures to create laws (most were bicameral) Each state had a governor that was elected by the legislature or the people Each state also had judges and courts to interpret the laws Most had a “bill of rights,” to help establish the citizen’s rights

The Massachusetts Constitution In 1780 Mass. Became the last of the original 13 states to draw up a constitution. Is the only one that is still in use today Would become the model for the US Constitution (checks and balances)

The Articles of Confederation First constitution of the United States Confederation- a group of individuals or in this case states, banding together for a common purpose. Had a one house legislature, each state had one vote The legislature had the power to control the army and handle foreign affairs States refused to give the federal Gov’t a lot of power!

Weaknesses of Articles Lack of Power and Money Congress could not tax Congress could not regulate trade Congress could not enforce laws

Weaknesses continued Lack of Central Power No single leader No national court system Congress could not pass laws without the approval of 9 states The Articles could not be changed without the agreement of all 13 states.

Problems following the War Nation had to borrow money for the war State governments were deep in debt States begin taxing at an alarming rate States feared that the government could not protect them