The Confederation and the Constitution Chapter 9 The Confederation and the Constitution

A revolution of sentiments Ideas about society and government 80,000 loyalists leave country All men created equal Some states gave women right to vote Property requirements lowered

Constitution making in the states Continental Congress asks states to draft new constitutions Mass.: gives vote to the people State constitutions have bills of rights, annual election of legislators Weak executive and judicial branches States move capitals west

Economic crosscurrents No beheadings take place as in France Impact of nonimportation American ships go abroad: Empress of China Inflation gets out of control

Shaky start toward Union Colonists pull together to oppose British British companies: flood American markets American response

Creating a Confederation Arguments about land in the west States give up land claims to fed. Gov. Northwest land ordinance

Articles of confed. Congress: 1 vote per state Bills required 2/3 vote Amendments required unanimous vote No tax powers No power over trade Could make treaties Written laws Evolution of government into constitution

Early difficulties British still in forts in northwest Spanish still in the Southeast, closes off Miss river in 1784 French demand repayment Pirates of Mediterranean Economic problems Fights over state boundaries Shay’s rebellion

Constitutional Convention Convention called at Annapolis for commerce Called for a meeting the following year 55 Delegates chosen by state legislatures Most were lawyers all were men Many leaders from Revolution absent

Compromises 3/5 compromise Virginia/ New Jersey plans The Great Compromise Taxation plans start in the house Strong independent executive President has appointment, veto powers Slave trade allowed until 1807 Separation of powers: election of house ¾ for changes