Era of Constitutionalism Post-Revolution Social Changes State Constitutions The Articles of Confederation Successes Failures

Post-Revolution Social Changes Ideas of Liberty and Equality Ideas of Liberty and Equality Against social hierarchies: end of primogenitor, Against social hierarchies: end of primogenitor, –Property qualifications to vote lowered Most states end official church sponsorship Most states end official church sponsorship African Americans: start of Abolitionism African Americans: start of Abolitionism –Quakers, first abolitionist groups –By 1800 northern states abolished slavery –Many prominent men (N&S) manumit their slaves Women enjoyed more freedom: Women enjoyed more freedom: –Marriage, education

State Constitutions: after 1776 Written Written Bill of Rights: free press, protection of Bill of Rights: free press, protection of –Private property, arms, search and seizure Strong legislative branch: bicameral Strong legislative branch: bicameral Weak executive: Weak executive: Three branches: no independent judiciary Three branches: no independent judiciary Short terms Short terms Property qualifications to vote Property qualifications to vote Separation of church and states Separation of church and states

Articles of Confederation 1776 John Dickinson: long time to ratify John Dickinson: long time to ratify A Confederacy of equal states A Confederacy of equal states Each of 13 states had one vote Each of 13 states had one vote 2 to 7 delegates each state: I year term 2 to 7 delegates each state: I year term 9/12 to pass a law 9/12 to pass a law 12/12 to add an amendment 12/12 to add an amendment No executive, No judiciary No executive, No judiciary No power to tax, commerce, or trade No power to tax, commerce, or trade

Success under the Articles Won the War Won the War Land Ordinance of 1785: states gave up Land Ordinance of 1785: states gave up –Their western claims. Divide 160 million acres –Into 640 acre units. Sold $1 per acre. (p170) Northwest Ordinance of 1787: Northwest Ordinance of 1787: –Step by step process for statehood. –Pop of 5,000 a territory; 30,000 a state –Slavery prohibited above Ohio River. Civilian Leadership: Newburgh Conspiracy Civilian Leadership: Newburgh Conspiracy –GW refuses to be a dictator.

Failures under the Articles Could not pay debts: foreign & domestic Could not pay debts: foreign & domestic Could not pay veterans Could not pay veterans Could not regulate trade, commerce Could not regulate trade, commerce Each state was printing money Each state was printing money Could not enforce its laws Could not enforce its laws –No national court system to settle interstate disputes Could not tax Could not tax Failure of Hamilton’s 5% tariff plan. Failure of Hamilton’s 5% tariff plan. America felt rudderless America felt rudderless