United States Constitution 101 Constitution 101: An Introduction & Overview to the US Constitution

Articles of Confederation 1777  It was drafted by the Continental Congress in 1777  Formally ratified by all 13 states in 1781  Created to direct the American Revolutionary War effort

Articles of Confederation John Adams, Gouverneur Morris, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson around table.  "The United States of America."  Each state retains its sovereignty  Firm league of friendship  Allocates one vote in the Congress of the Confederation to each state

Why was it written? Articles of Confederation  After the Revolutionary War, the Articles of Confederation set up the structure of the US Government.  The federal government was extremely weak and this created many problems such as: 1.Weak central government – states had most power. 2.Congress did not have the power to tax – this means they could not get their finances in order.

 More problems with the Articles of Confederation: 3. In order to change the Articles, all thirteen states had to approve of the changes. This made it essentially impossible to make any changes. 4. For any major laws to pass they had to be approved by 9 of the 13 states which was difficult.

Why was it written? Shays’ Rebellion: –An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays. –They were protesting the tax burdens of states and poor treatment of veterans. –Alexander Hamilton would lead the call for a Continental Congress to form a strong central government. "A scene at Springfield, during Shay's Rebellion, when the mob attempted to prevent the holding of the Courts of Justice."—E. Benjamin Andrews, 1895

What is the US Constitution? supreme law  The supreme law of the United States.  It provides the framework for the organization of the United States Government.

What are the basic principles of the Constitution? I. Popular Sovereignty: Government power resides in the people II. Limited government: Government is not all powerful, can only do what the people let it. III.Separation of Powers: Helps prevent one branch from becoming too powerful Checks and Balances IV. Federalism Division of power among national and state governments

What are the Checks and Balances?

Who Wrote It?  James Madison is considered “the father of the Constitution.”  His important contributions: –The Virginia Plan –Separation of Powers –Bill of Rights –Notes on the convention– copy of his notes to right.

When was it written?  Called the “Constitutional Convention.”  May 25 th to September 17 th, 1787  Philadelphia  Intention was to revise Articles of Confederation  Ended up replacing the Articles and creating a new government

40 Signers Ben Franklin oldest at 81 Jon Dayton youngest at 26

Ratification  Officially adopted after ratified by New Hampshire.  Once the new government convened, they added a Bill of Rights to the Constitution.

“ May it be to the world what I believe it will be, to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all, the signal to assume the blessings and security of self-government, all eyes are opened or opening to the rights of man. ” Thomas Jefferson

Questions for discussion  Do all people want democracy?  Should the Constitution be viewed as a living document or regarded only in it’s original intent?  Has the President become too powerful?  Does checks and balances work too well, leading to gridlock?