Topic 1c – A New nation Objectives: By the end of this lesson you will be able to: List all of the reasons for the failures of America’s first government under the Articles of Confederation. Outline the debate held at the Constitutional Convention. Outline the steps it too to create a new government under the United States Constitution Explain what each side wanted and why. Describe the final result and explain how both sides got what they wanted from the Convention. Judge the work of the delegates to the Constitution. Using evidence, determine if they did a good job or not.

Articles Fail Each state acts like its own mini country. Federal government has little power over the states. Formed a united government to fight England during the war but not much after it was over. No one state was in charge, no person was in charge, but they all have to work together if they want to accomplish anything. After the American Revolution, was the United States…united? Why or why not?

Articles Fail Federal government: Had to ask the states for soldiers Couldn’t amend or change the government unless all 13 states agreed (needed 13/13 not 9/13) Didn’t have a full-time executive/president to carry out laws. Couldn’t prevent a state from making a private arrangements with each other. Couldn’t regulate/control trade between states. Couldn’t settle fights between the states. Couldn’t tax the people to pay off war debts. All led to a rebellion (Shays’ Rebellion). Rebellion leads to the states asking for a new federal government. Experiment 1 leads to failure. Time for round 2. Of the problems under the Articles of Confederation, which one do you think is the most severe? Why? Listen to the story of Shays’ Rebellion. Add notes into the appropriate section above. Why did Shays rebel? What idea did we learn about earlier this year exemplifies why he would do this? Was the government under the Articles of Confederation a failure?

Constitutional Convention Delegates go to Philadelphia to create new government. Wanted a stronger central government to solve problems between and in states. Couldn’t decide on: Which states have more power in Congress (who writes law that affects all states). How to deal with slavery and its related problems. What was the Constitutional Convention? (Critical Thinking) Why would the delegates to the convention disagree with the two points mentioned above?

Constitutional Convention Drafting debate: Which states should have more power in government? Virginia Plan: the states with the largest populations. New Jersey Plan: no one, they should all be equal. Can Southern states count slaves toward their populations for government? Slave owning states: yes, absolutely, what are you crazy? Non-slave owning states: no, yes you are crazy, slaves aren’t citizens so why should they count? Should we separate the power of the federal government so it’s not too powerful? All: yes, into three branches, the executive, legislative, and judicial. What were the three main issues the delegates didn’t agree upon? If they are so different what could they do to solve their problems?

Constitutional Convention COMPROMISE! (an agreement or settlement) The Great Compromise Combines the Virginia and New Jersey Plan Members of the House: Based on States population Members of the Senate: Equal at 2 per state 3/5 Compromise Used to please the South into joining Slaves count as 3/5 a person toward population  The Constitution’s language is written down and sent to the states where they can approve or reject the work. Congress House of Representatives Senate Explain WHY the number of members in the House of Representatives is based on state population and the Senate is two per state. The ability to make laws is important as it establishes the rules for our country. Did the delegates do a good job? Why or why not? Consider the fact that this convention was comprised of wealthy, white, educated Americans. What does this mean for the foundation of our government as we progress throughout history?