Critical Period: Origins of American Government

Newburgh Conspiracy What was it? What was its significance?

North America After the Treaty of Paris, 1783

State Constitutions Republicanism. Most had strong governors with veto power. Most had bicameral legislatures. Property required for voting. Some had universal white male suffrage. Most had bills of rights. Many had a continuation of state-established religions while others disestablished religion.

Occupational Composition of Several State Assemblies in the 1780s

Articles of Confederation Government: 1781-1789

Accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation Kept the states together after the American Revolution Negotiated the Treaty of Paris of 1783 Land Ordinance of 1785 and Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Indian Land Cessions: 1768-1799

State Claims to Western Lands

Land Ordinance of 1785

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 One of the major accomplishments of the Confederation Congress! Statehood achieved in three stages: Congress appointed 3 judges & a governor to govern the territory. When population reached 5,000 adult male landowners  elect territorial legislature. When population reached 60,000  elect delegates to a state constitutional convention.

Wholesale Price Index: 1770-1789

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation A unicameral Congress [9 of 13 votes to pass a law]. 13 out of 13 to amend. Why was this such a problem? Representatives were frequently absent. Could not tax or raise armies. No executive or judicial branches.

Weaknesses Continued Could not settle disputes between the states Could not regulate interstate Commerce (States were taxing each other’s goods) Did not have a monopoly on Currency

Legitimate Fears of Dissolution and War States fighting each other over boundaries (North and South Carolina) Massive inflation: Why? Trade inequities with Great Britain: Why? Lack of Foreign Respect from Great Britain: How? Why couldn’t we do anything about it? France: How? Why? Spain: How? Why? North Africa: How? Why?

Disputed Territorial Claims Between Spain & the U. S.: 1783-1796

The United States in 1787

American Exports, To & From Britain: 1783-1789

Annapolis Convention (1786) 12 representatives from 5 states [NY, NJ, PA, DE, VA] GOAL  address barriers that limited trade and commerce between the states. Not enough states were represented to make any real progress. Sent a report to the Congress to call a meeting of all the states to meet in Philadelphia to examine areas broader than just trade and commerce.

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-7 Daniel Shays Western MA Small farmers angered by crushing debts and taxes.

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-7

Shays’ Rebellion: 1786-7 There could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders. -- George Washington

Philadelphia Convention Mandated Purpose: Secrecy: Why? What states were there? Who was not? Who were the Delegates? Beard’s Thesis v. Commager’s Thesis

Classical view of a model republic Enlightenment Thinking Govt. gets its authority from the citizens. A selfless, educated citizenry. Elections should be frequent. Govt. should guarantee individual rights & freedoms. Govt.’s power should be limited [checks & balances]. The need for a written Constitution. “E Pluribus Unum.” [“Out of many, one”] An important role for women  raise good, virtuous citizens. [“Republican Womanhood”]. Classical view of a model republic Enlightenment Thinking The “Virtuous Republic” Ideal citizen [Cincinnatus] “City on a hill” [John Winthrop]

Key Concerns of the Delegates Interstate Commerce Protection of Property National Security/ International Influence National Unity The National Debt

Essential Dilemmas Facing the Constitutional Convention States Rights v. Central Power The Design of the Federal Level and Division of Power within this Branch The Degree of Democracy

The U.S. Constitution: Document of Compromise Great (Connecticut) Compromise: Large State (Va.) v. Small State (NJ) Slave Trade Compromise: Executive Compromise: 3/5 Compromise:

Anti Democratic Elements of the U.S. Constitution Federal Judges appointed for life by President. President indirectly elected by the Electoral College. Why?? Senators elected by State Legislatures Who could vote? Who couldn’t? ONLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED DIRECTLY.

Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist

Ratification Fight Federalists v. Antifederalists Small states approved: Why? Del., NJ, Ga., Conn. Pennsylvania Massachusetts Maryland, S.C., NH Adopted but who left out??

Laggard States Virginia: Patrick Henry v. George Washington, James Madison, John Marshall New York: Manhood Suffrage for delegates Federalist Papers: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay Who’s left?

Bill of Rights Why did James Madison write them? Challenge Questions: Who is Dakota Meyer and what did he do?? What were the proposed amendments 11 and 12 that were not ratified?