From Confederation to a Federation Building a New Nation From Confederation to a Federation

We will: learn the purpose, effectiveness and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. I Will: construct a thesis and prove an argument that one provision of the Constitution of the United States would help address a problem facing the United States in the 1780’s & reflects Enlightenment thinking.

Lesson A: Time Line 1775-1783: American Rev. being fought 1776: Continental Congress adopts Declaration of  Independence 1777: Continental Congress adopts the Articles of  Confederation 1786: Shays Rebellion ☹ 1787: Constitutional Convention drafts the Constitution 1789: Constitution is ratified by 9 of the 13 states 1789: George Washington is elected President

The Articles of Confederation CRASH COURSE: The Articles of Confederation Define: FIRM LEAGUE OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE STATES Confederation where States maintained SOVEREIGNTY! (Ultimate and superior political authority to make decisions within their own borders) What could CONGRESS DO? What they could NOT DO? Declare War Coin $ Pass Laws Treaties Raise Troops Levy (Pass)Taxes Force States to Comply! No Judicial Branch No Executive Branch Amend w/o Unanimous vote Americans distrusted a STRONG CENTRAL GOVERNMENT! Then WHY make AofC???

The Northwest Land Ordinances 1 Good Law of A.ofC. Question: How do we ensure the growth of our new Nation? Orderly creation of New States on = terms (5 New Sts) Outlined how cities and towns would look Banned Slavery

THE TURNING POINT: SHAYS REBELLION What impact did Shays Rebellion have on the AofC? Many feared the collapse of State Governments if the NATIONAL government could not protect them!

What was the purpose of creating the Constitution? Part 2: The Constitution What was the purpose of creating the Constitution?

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Why did the people of the United States feel the need to FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION?

Lesson A: Types of Government

Be ready to explain your conclusion please. Apply If your family was a government structure what kind would it be? (Assume Parents = Central Gov't -- Kids = States) a. Unitary b. Confederation c. Federal Be ready to explain your conclusion please.

The Constitution of the United States of America A Less Perfect Union