UNIT 2 “RULES TO LIVE BY” 1.Chapter 3 2.The Constitution 3.The Citizenship Handbook

Unit Focus Question: What are the roles and responsibilities of governments and citizens?

Chapter 3 Creating the Constitution Delegates from each state met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 to “revise” the Articles of Confederation. The delegates decided that the nation needed a stronger federal (central, national) government.

Creating the Constitution What is a “constitution”? 1.the system of fundamental principles according to which a nation, state, corporation, or the like, is governed. 2.the document embodying these principles How were the states governed without one? – The Articles of Confederation – created in 1777 How did our founders create our constitution? – Through compromise A constitution is a set of rules.

Chapter 3, Section 1 Governing a New Nation p Weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation convince leading Americans that the country needs a strong central government.

3.1 SECTION FOCUS QUESTION: How was America’s first government (under the Articles of Confederation) both a success and a failure?

Government by the States Main Idea: The first state constitutions are designed to support the principles fought for in the American Revolution. To give more power to states, 11 new STATE constitutions (document stating the rules under which a government will operate) are written. First state constitutions minimize the power of state governors (executives) – person who runs the government and sees that the laws are carried out (executed) More people can vote for legislators (law-makers) Why? – Legislatures have more power than executives. Why? Virginia’s constitution includes a Bill of Rights which seeks to protect individual “natural” rights. Becomes a model for other states. p. 79

America’s Forgotten Constitution Bet you didn’t know… Bet you didn’t know… Our first constitution was written during the Revolution. – Adopted by Congress in 1777 – Officially ratified Feb. 2, 1781 – By all 13 states It was called the Articles of Confederation – “To all to whom these Presents shall come, we the undersigned Delegates of the States affixed to our Names send greeting.” It was pretty weak! Page 1 of Articles of Confederation created Nov. 15, 1777

The Articles of Confederation Main Idea: The Articles of Confederation were designed to preserve liberty by restricting the powers of the federal government. Powers Gov. did NOT have: - NO power to raise taxes - Could NOT raise an army - Could NOT regulate trade *National government could NOT enforce any laws on the states. It could only ask the states to enforce national laws. – “Pretty Please!” What our government was like under the Articles: Had one branch – a one house legislature (Congress) – No executive (no President) or Executive or Judicial Branch – All states (big and small) were equal, one vote each – Needed 9 of 13 states to approve new laws Powers of Government: – make treaties – make laws* – declare war – coin or borrow money – run a postal service STATES had WAY more power than National Gov.

Settling the Western Lands Main Idea: The ordinances of 1785 and 1787 create a way for national lands to be sold to the public. States give up western land claims. (see map on p. 81) Land Ordinance of 1785 : Divides public lands into townships (a grid with 6 mile squares) and sold at no less than $1 an acre. - see page – One section set aside for schools Northwest Ordinance of 1787 : 3-step process to statehood: 1.Congress appoints governor to territory 2.5,000 voting free adult males = can form its own state legislature 3.60,000 free voting adult males = can apply for statehood. No slavery allowed! The old Northwest (see p )

Growing Problems Main Idea: The Articles of Confederation deny the central government the power to deal effectively with several key issues facing the nation. Not enough power for central gov. Economic problems: each state has its own financial policy – States print their own money & discourage trade with other states – economic depression – a period of slow business activity, high unemployment Foreign Affairs: Europeans look at America with scorn (thought we were weak) – Britain still occupies forts in the Northwest Territory – Spain closes the Mississippi River to American traders Under the Articles of Confederation, state governments had more power than the central government.

Shays’ Rebellion – Jan. 25, 1787 Former Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shays rallies discontented farmers. -They were being over-taxed. -They shut down the courthouse in North Hampton, MA - fall “Regulators” march on the armory seeking weapons -It’s protected by state militia who inflict 24 casualties. -“Regulators” scatter - eventually get amnesty - Shay’s “Regulators” march on the arsenal in Springfield, MA. It was defended by 4400 militia. Fought at Lex./Concord, Bunker Hill, and Saratoga

Shay’s Rebellion - Aftermath How did Shay’s Rebellion lead to our 1 st President? How did Shay’s Rebellion lead to our 1 st President? How? Rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. How? – Unrest showed the need for a STRONG central government. George Washington knew his retirement would have to wait. – Only he could lead us. Congress meets in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention - May 1787 ……. Congress meets in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention - May 1787 ……. 1 st Inauguration of George Washington - April 30, 1789 Federal building New York, New York - April 2011

3.1 SECTION FOCUS QUESTION How was America’s first government (under the Articles of Confederation) both a success and a failure? Despite being weaker than state governments, the federal government established a congress, won independence and passed the land ordinances. Its failures included a weak central government with no executive or court system and no power to tax or stop public unrest.