Articles of Confederation Americas First Constitution Americans needed to establish their own government once they declared their independence from Britain. Americans wanted the country to be a republic. A republic is a government with elected representatives. States organized their governments and adopted their own state constitutions. The Articles of Confederation (a plan for government) were adopted in 1777. They were America’s first constitution. Most Americans favored a weak central government and strong independent states. Each state kept, “its sovereignty, freedom, and independence”. Ratification was delayed until 1771 because of western settlement disputes amongst the states.

Articles of Confederation A limited central government. One branch legislature called Congress. No executive (chief executive) nor national courts. All states would have equal representatives AND one single vote. 9 states had to agree before a bill became law. All 13 states had to ratify the Articles.

Articles of Confederation Government Could Government Could Not A plan of government Negotiated treaties especially the Treaty of Paris of 1783; successfully ending the American Revolution Declare war Make peace Establish new land policies Run the national postal office Make Foreign relations with Native Americans regulate trade amongst the states; amend the Articles unless all 13 states gave its consent; force citizens to join the army nor pay for it; pass a law unless nine states voted for it; collect taxes. They had to ask the states for money to pay for the army and war debts; and each state had one vote in Congress. State population did not matter, although larger, more populated states believed that they should have more votes

Constitution Principles – add to your vocabulary folder Parts Popular Sovereignty Republicanism Limited Government Federalism Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Individual Rights Parts Preamble: Introduction Articles I: Legislative Branch II: Executive Branch III: Judicial Branch IV: Relations among States V: Amendment Process VI: National Supremacy VII: Ratification Sections Amendments

Constitution Preamble Articles - divided into 7 sections & established the framework for the government Is based on 6 goals To form a more perfect union To establish justice To ensure domestic tranquility To provide for the common defense To promote the general welfare To ensure the blessings of liberty Articles I-III – describes the 3 branches and establishes powers and limits Article IV – relationships among states Article V – process for amendments Article VI – Constitution is the “supreme law of the land” Article VII – procedure for ratification of Constitution

Amendments – formal changes (addition & repealed) made to the Constitution 27 amendments Bill of Rights - the first 10 amendments to the Constitution protect the rights of Americans Personal Rights & Freedoms Right to Bear Arms Quartering of Troops Search & Seizure Rights of Accused Right to Speedy Trial Right to Trial by Jury No Cruel & Unusual Punishment Powers Reserved to People Powers Reserved to States Limits Suits Between States Election of President & Vice-President Abolition of Slavery Former Slaves’ Rights Right to Vote Allows Income Tax Election of Senators Prohibition Suffrage Lame Duck Repeal of Prohibition Term Limits District of Columbia Abolition of Poll Tax Outlines Presidential Succession Lowers Voting Age Limits Congressional Salaries

The ratification of the Constitution was a result of significant proposals and compromises such as the: Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Strong national government Bicameral legislature Chief executive Court system Proportional representation – representation based on population Weak national government Unicameral legislature Executive branch Equal representation – each state had same amount of representation no matter the size

The ratification of the Constitution was a result of significant proposals and compromises such as the Three-Fifths Compromise Great Compromise Dispute between the Northern and Southern States delegates regarding slaves and a state’s representation Northern slaves could not vote so therefore they could not be counted Southern slaves wanted slaves to be counted so they would have more representation Compromise made each enslaved person to be counted as 3/5 of a person Blending of Virginia and New Jersey Plans that set up a two-house legislature Representation in the House of Representatives would be based on population and each state would have equal representation in the Senate

Legislative Branch creates nation’s laws Senate House 100 Senators Represent state 30 yrs. Old 6 yr. term Approves treaties Confirms nominations Passes legislation 435 Representatives Represent district 25 yrs. Old 2 yr. term Originates revenue bills Impeach federal officials Passes legislation

Executive Branch Carry out the laws and run the affairs of the national government President requirements: natural born citizen, 2 term limit, minimum of 35 years old Presidents duties Head of executive branch Propose/sign/veto bills Commander in chief of armed forces Negotiate foreign treaties Appoint federal judges

Judicial Branch Interprets the law Court system consists of Lower courts and the Supreme Court Supreme Court Interpret the Constitution – hears the cases that have been tried and appealed in lower federal and state courts President appoints justices, but Senate approves the appointments Justices serve for life (resign, retire, or die)

Checks and Balances Legislative Branch – override President’s veto, impeach and remove President, declare, war, appropriates money Executive Branch – veto laws, appoint judges, commander-in-chief of armed forces Judicial Branch – declare laws unconstitutional, declare executive actions unconstitutional