Ch. 2-3 Confederation and the Constitution

Republic-a government in which citizens rule through their elected officials. The Articles of Confederation (AOC)- a plan that established a form of government called a confederation, or alliance, among the 13 colonies/states. The AOC created a weak central government because there was no money to help enforce the laws. Lack of unity among the states.

Shay’s Rebellion 1786-Massachusetts raises taxes Daniel Shay led 1,200 farmers in protest to Springfield where state officials killed 4 farmers/rebels. News spread of the rebellion and it persuaded 12 states to send delegates to a convention in Philadelphia.

Small States vs. Big States Virginia Plan-States with larger populations would receive more representation/votes. New Jersey Plan-Each state would receive an equal vote. Great Compromise-each state had equal representations in the Senate (upper house), but in the House of representatives (lower house) representation was based on population. How would the slaves be counted? 3/5 Compromise-they were counted as 3/5 of a person.

Separation of Powers 3 branches of Government –Executive carry out the laws –Judicial interpret laws and settle disputes –Legislative made laws Checks and balances- prevented any one house from having too much power. Changing the Constitution- the amendment process allows the Constitution to be a working document that can be altered with time.

Federalists and Antifederalists Federalists supported the Constitution Antifederalist opposed it because they believed there would be a strong central government. –They believed their was no guarantee that the government would not protect the rights of the people. –The Bill of Rights were later made