American History I Birth of America 1776-1800 NCFE Review

Articles of Confederation The Articles of Confederation was the first government of the United States. The writers of the Articles of Confederation were cautious not to give the central government too much power – they didn’t want the government to act as a “king.” However, the Articles of Confederation were weak. No taxes No authority over the states However, the most important accomplishment of the Articles of Confederation was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 that would decide how new states would be admitted to the country.

Shay’s Rebellion The Articles of Confederation were challenged by Shay’s Rebellion in Massachusetts when farmers who were losing their farms to debt rebelled against the state. Farmers wanted: An end to farm foreclosures An end to imprisonment for debt Relief from high taxes The United States needed a stronger government in order to respond to the threat of rebellion in the states.

Constitutional Convention The Constitution of the United States of America was the result of a series of meetings and compromises by delegates sent by each state. New Jersey Plan: Small states wanted a unicameral legislature and equal representation in congress. Virginia Plan: Large states wanted a bicameral legislature and representation in congress based on population. Connecticut Plan (Great Compromise): Compromise combined the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan, provided a bicameral legislature with an upper house (Senate) with equal representation and a lower house (House of Representatives) with representation based on population. The Constitution provided for the separation of powers which organized the government into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

The Constitution of the United States of America The Constitution did… The Constitution did NOT… Create the Electoral College to decide the votes of the Presidency. The Three-Fifths Compromise in which slaves counted as 3/5ths of a person for representation and tax purposes. Authority of Congress to declare war. Provide a term limit to the Presidency (Washington) Provide voting rights for all people (15th Amendment, 19th Amendment) Include a presidential cabinet (Washington) The direct election of senators. (16th Amendment) Provide the Bill of Rights Create political parties

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Led by Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. Argued the federal government should have more power than the state governments. Wrote the Federalist Papers Led by Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry Argued that a federal government would be too strong and be like the King. Wanted the inclusion of the Bill of Rights to protect the rights of the people.

Alexander Hamilton’s Economic Plan Alexander Hamilton proposed an economic plan to help the country grow economically. Pay the National Debt both debt by Continental Congress and each of the states Tariff of 1789 and excise tax to pay off the debt Create a national Bank to standardize banking and print money However, there was controversy over the power that the central government should have. Hamilton favored a “loose” interpretation of the Constitution. What the Constitution did not forbid, it permitted. Thomas Jefferson favored a “strict” interpretation of the Constitution. What the Constitution did not permit, it forbid.

Whiskey Rebellion Those on the western frontier resented the power and wealth of those on the east coast They believed the excise taxes on alcohol harmed them and helped the easterners Whiskey Rebellion: Farmers in Western PA refused to pay the tax on whiskey, which was how they made a living so they violently attacked tax collectors, Washington led a militia of 13,000 to put down the rebellion. Showed the national government could and would take action in the state and upheld the supremacy of the federal government over the states.

Washington’s Farewell Address Washington warned the American people of two things in his farewell address: Do not get involved in Europe’s affairs or make permanent alliances. Do not form political parties.