The Constitution

The Road to Revolution Colonists more free tan most of mankind British only governed foreign policy and trade Most left to colonial government British taxed colonies more due to seven years war Lacked representation in parliament First continental congress Sept 1774

Declaring Independence Thomas Paines’ Common Sense Declaration of Independence Authored by Thomas Jefferson Set forth a democratic creed

The English Heritage: The Power of Ideas John Locke Natural rights- rights inherent of human beings, not dependent on government Government must be built on the consent of the governed Limited government, clear limit on what rulers can do Governments sole purpose to protect natural rights Government must provide standing laws Supreme power cannot take property without consent In extreme cases have right to revolt against leaders

The American Creed “self evident” that men were equally “endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights,” including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” New political ideas formed in the “first new nation” Each person more important as an individual Consent of governed made exercise of political power legitimate

Winning Independence Somehow an army of 5,000 men beat the greatest military might in the world Hard fought war

The “conservative” Revolution American Revolution was a more conservative revolution compared to the French, and Russian Revolution Way of life did not alter much for the colonists No need for social, economic, or political upheaval Were not oppressed people with imperial shackles to throw off

Articles of Confederation Established a perpetual Union among the 13 states No federal government No president, no federal courts, limited legislature Feared a strong central government would have tyrannical rule Got so bad that at one point Washington’s troops threatened to create a monarchy with Washington as king Little power, little money, no ability to tax Had to dissolve army due to lack of funds States had all the power

Changes in the States Many states adopted bill of rights to protect freedoms and abolish religious qualifications to hold office Brought to power a new middle class Granted most power to state legislatures Legislatures elected governors and could overturn court decisions Unleashed egalitarian tendencies

Economic Turmoil Postwar depression Farmers in risk of foreclosure “Force acts” Policies created favoring debtors vs creditors Shays’ Rebellion Farmers rebel who lost land to creditors States and federal government had no money for militia so paid for by elite