To Accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, and Texas Editions American Government: Roots and Reform, 10th edition Karen O’Connor and Larry J. Sabato  Pearson Education, 2009  Chapter 2 The Constitution

The Roots of a New Nation  Tensions begin to build in 1760s.  British use mercantilism to justify control.  French and Indian War increases dependence.French and Indian War increases dependence  Series of acts passed to increase control on colonists.  Stamp Act Congress in 1765 is first expression of anger.  In 1772, Committees of Correspondence form.  Oppressive acts continue, particularly on tea.

First Continental Congress  Held in Philadelphia in September  Colonists want to iron out differences with king.  Adopt Declaration of Rights and Resolves.  War begins in Lexington and Concord.

Second Continental Congress  Held in Philadelphia beginning in May  Adopt Olive Branch Petition; it is rejected by the king.  Thomas Paine issues Common Sense.  Delegates call for independence in June  Write and adopt Declaration of Independence.  Document draws heavily on the ideas of John Locke.

The Articles of Confederation  In a confederation, states are most powerful.  Articles are first attempt at independent government.  Create a loose “league of friendship”.  Congress has limited power, states are strong.  No executive or judicial branches, no power to tax.  Shays’ Rebellion viewed as a sign of Articles’ weakness.

The Constitutional Convention  Held in Philadelphia in May 1787 to revise the Articles.  Fifty-five delegates from across the colonies attend.  Refer to delegates as “Founding Fathers” or Framers.  Has been debate about Framers’ motives.

Virginia Plan  Plan favored by the large states.  Three-branch government.  Two-house legislature.  One house chosen by people, one by legislatures.  Legislature can chose executive and judiciary.

New Jersey Plan  Strengthen Articles.  One house legislature with one vote for each state.  Representatives chosen by state legislatures.  Congress can raise revenues from duties on imports.  Supreme Court with life terms appointed by executive.

Great Compromise  Two-house legislature: House and Senate.  House chosen by people, Senate by state legislatures.  House based on population, two per state in Senate.  Revenue bills originate in the House.  National government is supreme.  Chief executive chooses Supreme Court.  Appeases both large and small states.

Other Compromises  Three-Fifths Compromise regarding slavery.  Committee on Unfinished Portions handles executive.  President with four-year term, Electoral College.  President can be removed from office by Congress.

Basic Ideas of the Constitution  Separation of powers between three branches.Separation of powers  Checks and balances provide oversight.  Government takes the form of a federal system.federal system

Article I: Legislative Branch  Bicameral, Senate and House.  Sets out terms, selection, and apportionment.  Section 8 lists enumerated powers.  Final clause is necessary and proper clause.  This is the basis for Congress’ implied powers.

Article II: Executive Branch  President with a four-year term.  Qualifications for and removal from office.  Lists powers of the office.  Commander in chief, treaties, appointments.  Sets out State of the Union Address.

Article III: Judicial Branch  Establishes only a Supreme Court.  Sets boundaries of Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.  Gives Congress the power to establish lower courts.

Articles IV-VII  Article IV includes full faith and credit clause.  Article IV includes provisions about new states.  Article V discusses amendment.  Article VI contains the supremacy clause.  Article VII contains provisions for ratification.

Ratifying the Constitution  States hold ratifying conventions; tensions run high.  Federalists support the document.Federalists  Anti-Federalists oppose the document.  The Federalist Papers play a key role.  New Hampshire was ninth to ratify.  Later states demand a Bill of Rights.

Formal Amendment  Two stages: proposal and ratification.  Can be proposed by Congress or state legislatures.  State legislatures have never proposed.  Can be ratified by state legislatures or conventions.  Convention only used for Twenty-First Amendment.

Informal Amendment  Judicial interpretation.  Social and cultural change.

Figure 2.1- British Land Claims, 1763  Back

Figure 2.2- Separation of Powers  Back

Figure 2.3- Amending the Constitution  Back

Table 2.1- Articles and the Constitution  Back

Table 2.2- Federalists and Anti-Federalists  Back