The Nation’s First Governments

Declaration of Independence declared the American colonies as 13 separate states, not one country Each “state” had their own government and laws Most Americans liked the separate idea, as they felt they had nothing in common with the people of other states

States are like individual countries

Early State Constitutions Written with a lot of detail Set up a government similar to the colonial governments Legislatures would make the laws Governor would carry out the laws Courts would interpret the laws Most states included a Bill of Rights

The Articles of Confederation Established a system of cooperation amongst the 13 states One house legislature, where each state had 1 vote Limited powers: control army, dealings with foreign countries on behalf of the states Could not raise taxes Or enforce laws on a national level

Weaknesses of the Articles Laws could not be passed until 9 states voted in favor Amendments to the Articles required a unanimous vote from all 13 states No enforcement of passed laws Had to borrow money to pay for Revolutionary war because of no taxation policy

No single leader to direct government policy No national court system Congress did not have any power to regulate trade

Why were the early states scared to have a strong central govt Why were the early states scared to have a strong central govt? Why did they fear a strong single leader? How did it hurt them to not have a central leader at all?

Copy Graphic Organizer pg. 41 of text

Shay’s Rebellion Group of farmers marched on the federal arsenal in Springfield, MA in protest of the heavy taxes that states levied on goods from other states and countries The farmers felt that the state had created the heavy debt burden and they should fix the problem, not take personal property

Call for Changes to the Articles Needed a stronger central government 1787- 12 states send delegates to Philadelphia to make changes to the Articles of Confederation