The Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence What’s included the Declaration? The colonists told Great Britain that they were a separate, independent nation. Why is it so important? It was symbolic. Complained about the king and his treatment of the colonists.

Declaration of Independence What’s NOT in the Declaration? It DID NOT make laws for a new government. Instead, the Declaration…………… created a framework for the kind of government the Founding Fathers wanted to create.

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION (AOC) 1781-89 The AOC were America’s 1st FORM OF GOVERNMENT The AOC lasted 8 years.

Problems with the Articles of Confederation It created a UNICAMERAL CONGRESS, which means one lawmaking house It did not include an EXECUTIVE OR JUDICIAL BRANCH. It gave NO POWER TO TAX OR REGULATE INTERSTATE TRADE . It created a DECENTRALIZED government and a WEAK UNION OF 13 SEPARATE STATES.

Problems with the Articles of Confederation Shay’s Rebellion is an event that showed that the AOC weren’t working & the federal government did not have enough control. Each state was operating like a separate country. A stronger federal government was needed!

The United States Constitution

The Constitutional Convention The Founding Fathers gathered on May 25, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. George Washington presided over the Convention. Sept. 17, 1787- 39 delegates signed. It was provided that the Constitution would go into effect when 9 states ratified it. James Madison, known as “Father of the Constitution” credited with writing most of the Constitution.

Ratification and Amending VA & NY refused to ratify without a Bill of Rights 1789- New Government began functioning. 1791- Bill of Rights was added, two years after Constitution went into effect Bill of Rights are the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. Patrick Henry of VA spoke fervently against ratification.

Characteristics of the Constitution Three Branches of Government Checks and Balances Bicameral Legislative branch Power to tax and regulate interstate trade Centralized power Review notes on the Articles – how are they different?

Bicameral Legislature (2 lawmaking houses) (1) Senate 2 Representatives from each state (100 total) (2) House of Representatives based on population of state (435 total)

Capitol Building – Washington D.C. The location of the two houses

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Federalists v. Anti-Federalists Federalists favored ratification Wanted strong federal government Usually wealthy merchants, planters and lawyers Hoped would provide security and prevent rebellion James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay wrote the Federalist Papers to defend their ideas

Federalists v. Anti-Federalists Anti-Federalists opposed ratification Feared a strong federal government Thought constitutional convention was too secret Favored states’ rights Thought constitution resembled monarchy Disliked the idea of the electors, chosen (like Senators at that time) by state legislators, choosing the President & VP