Sample Regents Question: During the Revolutionary War period, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was important because it described a military plan for the defeat of England convinced many Americans who had been undecided to support independence contained a detailed outline for a new form of government argued for the addition of a bill of rights to the Constitution

Sample Regents Question: 2. A major argument for American independence found in the Declaration of Independence was that the British stopped participating in the slave trade refused to sell products to Americans deprived Americans of their natural rights censored American representatives in Parliament

Sample Regents Question: 3. Which fundamental political idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence? The government should guarantee every citizen economic security. The central government and state governments should have equal power. If the government denies its people certain basic rights, that government can be overthrown. Rulers derive their right to govern from God and are therefore bound to govern in the nation’s best interest.

Declaring Americans independence was one thing: winning independence another. The newly created American army confronted (was going up against) the greatest military power on Earth. Yes! But you’re going to die! We’re finally independent!

Who has the advantage and who is the “underdog?” Richest country in the world Large, well-trained army and navy Many dedicated and able officers Home-field advantage Motivation = FREEDOM The new American army under George Washington The British army under William Howe

Battle of Saratoga AMERICANS + FRENCH SUPPORT TIDE TURNS IN AMERICAN FAVOR Battle of Yorktown (1781) British commander Cornwallis surrendered his army of 8,000 and effectively ended the American Revolution

The Treaty of Paris Signed in 1783 – officially ended the American Revolution. In the treaty… 1)England recognition of American independence 2) Expansion of American territory

The Revolution Within: African Americans saw in the Revolution and the reality of war an opportunity to claim freedom The Revolution Within: Aspirations for greater equality inspired by the struggle for independence For women, the Revolution caused women to challenge the absolute power husbands had over their wives. Liberty for whites meant loss of liberty for Indians. Indians’ definition of their rights was becoming Americanized.

The First Draft of the U. S The First Draft of the U.S. Constitution: The Articles of Confederation

Now that the colonies were no longer a part of the British government, the newly created American states needed to quickly put into place a new national government. Ahhhh! Who’s in charge? This is complete anarchy! In 1776, the Declaration of Independence created a new nation made up of 13 independent states. The former colonies, though, had little experience working together. In the past, Britain had made the major decisions. Now the Americans set about the business of establishing 13 state governments. Delegates from the news states also believed that the former colonies needed to be united by a central government in order to win independence (remember, at this point independence was only declared, they still need to defeat the British).

Difference Between a State and a National Government: The govt. that is responsible for people who live in a particular state. Example: New York state govt. The govt. that is responsible for the nation (all the states). Example: United States federal govt.

Check for Understanding True or False: Each state has its own state government. All the states belong to one national or federal government.

Now that the colonies were no longer a part of the British government, the newly created American states needed to quickly put into place a new national government. Ahhhh! Who’s in charge? This is complete anarchy! In 1776, the Declaration of Independence created a new nation made up of 13 independent states. The former colonies, though, had little experience working together. In the past, Britain had made the major decisions. Now the Americans set about the business of establishing 13 state governments. Delegates from the news states also believed that the former colonies needed to be united by a central government in order to win independence (remember, at this point independence was only declared, they still need to defeat the British).

How can we create a national government that oversees all the 13 state governments? What will it look like? What powers will they have? AND 13 STATE GOVERNMENTS 1 NATIONAL GOVERNMENT = 1 BRANCH called CONGRESS Each state will have its own government with a governor elected by the citizens of that state. Each state will send representatives to a Confederation Congress. Each state will have one vote in Congress. I have an idea!

Who should have more power? AND 13 STATE GOVERNMENTS 1 NATIONAL GOVERNMENT = 1 BRANCH called CONGRESS Who should have more power? The state governments or the national government? In 1776, few Americans saw themselves as citizens of one nation. Instead, they felt loyal to their own states. Also, people were fearful of replacing the “tyranny” of British rule with another strong government. Under the Articles of Confederation, the states sent delegates to a Confederation Congress. Each state had one vote in Congress. Congress could declare war, appoint military officers, and coin money. It was also responsible for foreign affairs (issues outside of the U.S.). However, these powers were few compared with those of the states. Why do you think the former colonists choose to give the state governments more power?

Confederation: a loose union of independent states Let’s write this all down on paper so it’s official. Our first national Constitution can be called the… We will call this first American Constitution The Articles of Confederation Still, in 1777, after much debate, the Continental Congress completed the Articles of Confederation – the first American constitution. It created a confederation, or alliance of independent states. WHY CALL IT THIS? Article: a particular section in a written document, such as contract, constitution or treaty. Confederation: a loose union of independent states

= Shay’s Rebellion Central Govt. too weak to handle national problems Congress had little economic power under the Articles of Confederation. It could not pass tax laws (I wonder why the writers made that decisions – think England after the French and Indian War). States, however, could tax the citizens of their state. In 1786, to help grow the state economy, Massachusetts raised taxes. The courts take away people’s farms it they could not pay their taxes or loans. Angry farmers, led by Daniel Shay, organized a rebellion – attacking courthouses. Many Americans saw Shay’s Rebellion as a sign that the Articles of Confederation did not work. Central Govt. too weak to handle national problems