Chapter 7 Section 1

The Revolution in Review No more kings Shot heard around the world

Revolution is over, now what?

Important Definitions 1. constitution – a document stating the rules under which a government will operate. 2. economic depression – a period of slow business activity, lower prices, and wages, and unemployment. 3. executive – person who runs the government and see that laws are carried out 4. Daniel Shays – led an uprising against the Massachusetts state government because of unfair taxes

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation A unicameral Congress (one body) [9 of 13 votes to pass a law]. 13 out of 13 to amend. Representatives were frequently absent. Could not tax, raise armies, or regulate trade! No executive or judicial branches. Because the central government was so weak the British still held forts on the Northwest Territory!

State Constitutions Most had strong governors with veto power, but limited their power in other ways to keep them from being “kinglike” Property required for voting. Some had universal white male suffrage. Most had a bills of rights. Many had a continuation of state-established religions while others disestablished religion.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 One of the major accomplishments of the Confederation Congress! Statehood achieved in three stages: Congress appointed 3 judges & a governor to govern the territory. When population reached 5,000 adult male landowners  elect territorial legislature. When population reached 60,000  elect delegates to a state constitutional convention.

The United States in 1787

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-87 Daniel Shays Western MA Small farmers angered by crushing debts and taxes put on him by the government. Led a rebellion against the state militia and came close to winning. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM!!!

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-87 Showed the many weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation and that it needed to be fixed!

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-87 There could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders. -- George Washington