Chapter Two Forging a New Government: The Constitution

The Colonial Background Jamestown – representative assembly Plymouth – social contract with consent of the governed

Selected Milestones in the Colonial/ Early American Era the Stamp Act the First Continental Congress the Second Continental Congress the Revolutionary War the Declaration of Independence the ratification of the Articles of Confederation Shays ’ Rebellion the Constitutional Convention the ratification of the U.S. Constitution the Ratification of the Bill of Rights

Important concepts in the Declaration of Independence Natural Rights – the idea that individuals hold certain rights because they are human; governments cannot take away these “ inalienable ” (can ’ t be transferred) rights Locke describes these rights as “ life, liberty and property ” Jefferson describes these rights as “ life liberty and the pursuit of happiness ” Social contract -- a general agreement between the people and the government, where the people agree to give up some of their liberties, so that the remainder are protected.

Compromises in the Drafting of the U.S. Constitution the Great Compromise – resulted in a bicameral legislature, with one house based on equal representation, the other on population. the Three-Fifths Compromise – resulted in slaves being counted as “ 3/5 ” of a person for the purpose of determining population for representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dispersion of Power by the U.S. Constitution Federalism – sovereign powers are divided between the states anthe national government Separation of Powers – dividing governmental powers legislative branch – is granted the power to make laws judicial branch – is granted the power to judge laws executive branch – is granted the power to administer laws. some delegates favored a plural executive, but a single chief executive was decided upon.

Ratification of the U.S. Constitution was supported by Federalists, who argued in favor of the ratification and supported a strong central government. was opposed by the Anti-Federalists, who opposed a strong central government.

The Bill of Rights the first 10 amendments to the Constitution were adopted in 1791 were designed to protect individuals from a too powerful national government

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