1-4: The Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention

Big Ideas: Liberty and Order Constitutionalism

Enduring Understandings: A balance between governmental power and individual rights has been a hallmark of American political development. The Constitution emerged from the debate about the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation as a blueprint for limited government.

Learning Objectives: Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the U.S. Constitution. Explain the relationship between key provisions of the Articles of Confederation and the debate over granting the federal government greater power formerly reserved to the states.

Articles of Confederation “League of Friendship” Weaknesses No power to tax No executive No power to wage war Supermajorities Unanimous amendments Shays’ Rebellion

Philadelphia Convention 55 delegates attended—all elites Original purpose—revise Articles of Confederation Abandoned idea Formed new government National sovereignty

Shared Ideas Human Nature Source of Political Conflict People are selfish Source of Political Conflict Unequal distribution of property Neither faction should be able to prevail Purpose of Government Protect property Feared “excessive democracy” Government should be limited Benjamin Franklin underscored the self-centered nature of humans when he said, “There are two passions which have a powerful influence on the affairs of men: the love of power and the love of money.”