Bellwork What is the meaning of this political cartoon (created In 1754)?

Learner Outcome: You will investigate why the colonists desired independence and a more limited government, giving at least three examples. You will identify 3 weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute a new form of government.” [The new government] laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness. Declaration of Independence Part 1: The Key Ideas of Government:

Declaration of Independence Part 2: King’s Faults “HE has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly…” “HE has kept among us, in time of peace, standing armies…” “For quartering [housing] large bodies of armed troops among us…” “For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world…” “For imposing taxes on us without our consent…” 1. Who is HE? 2. Are these complaints true? Give some examples. 3. Why would Jefferson include these statements in the Declaration of Independence? 4. In your opinion, which complaint was the worst? Give your reason why.

“We, therefore, the Representatives …. declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved… And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Declaration of Independence Part 3: Breaking Ties

Don’t Forget Your Homework! Take the perspective of a colonist supporting independence from England. Use the excerpt from the Declaration we used in notes and the knowledge of why the colonists were ticked off. Write a poem, song, rap, or to the king of England (King George III), putting this section into your own words. It should reflect the dissatisfaction they had with the English government and the values they wanted to replace it with.

Activity – Design a Coat of Arms A coat of arms is a design on a tunic used to cover and protect armor, but the term is more broadly applied to achievement which consists of a shield and certain accessories. In either sense, the design is a symbol unique to a person, family, corporation, or state.

United States Coat of Arms The bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks It also represent s FREEDOM. 13 arrows represent the 13 original states. Olive Branch symbolizing that the United States of America has "a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war." The head is turned towards the olive branch as a preference of peace. E Pluribus Unum – “Out of Many, One"

Australian Coat of Arms The shield contains the badge of each Australian state. In the top half, from left to right, the states represented are: New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. In the bottom S. Australia, W. Australia, Tasmania. Six of the points on the star represent the original six states, while the seventh point represents the combined territories and any future states of Australia. Kangaroo and Emu support the shield are the unofficial animal emblems of the nation.

Create your own Coat of Arms Split class into 13 groups. You will create your own Coat of Arms to represent you generation or age group. The Coat of Arms must include at least 3 symbols: Examples of symbols: Achievement, Respect, Music, History, Friendship, Love, Family, Hobbies, Education

Presentations Now you will present your Coat of Arms to the class. You want to pay attention because you will be voting for the Coat of Arms you like best. 9 of the 13 groups must vote in favor of the coat of arms for it to be adopted. (The group that wins gets 5 points extra credit!!!)

Discussion What feelings did you experience as you tried to pass a Coat of Arms? Why couldn’t the class come to an agreement on a Coat of Arms? What would have happened if the decision had been based on majority rule? What are the weaknesses of this type of decision-making system? What are the benefits? Why might a government institute this type of system? What do you think might happen in a government with this type of system?

Articles of Confederation After declaring Independence in 1776 the new Americans adopted the Articles of Confederation as their government. They established a WEAK central government and most of the power laid with the states.

United States of America Articles of Confederation THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION = WEAK SAUCE!!!!!!!

EACH STATE GOT ONE VOTE WHAT ARE SOME PROBLEMS WITH THIS FEATURE? Problems with Congress (Legislative Branch) Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

LAWS NEEDED APPROVAL BY 9 OF 13 STATES What are some possible problems with this feature? Problems with Congress (Legislative Branch) Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

AMENDMENTS (CHANGES) HAD TO BE APPROVED BY ALL 13 STATES What are some possible problems with this feature? Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Problems with Congress (Legislative Branch)

IT HAD NO POWER TO DRAFT AN ARMY. IT COULD ONLY REQUEST STATES TO SEND MEN FOR MILITARY SERVICES. Why was this included? What are some possible problems with this feature? Problems with Congress (Legislative Branch) Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

It had no power to settle disputes between states. Example: - Connecticut and Virginia almost went to war over land claims! Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Problems with Congress (Legislative Branch)

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? It had no power to coin money, so The U.S. did not have a common currency. Americans carried money from the federal government, state government, and foreign nations. Problems with Congress (Legislative Branch)

It had no power to tax citizens. It could only request tax money from the states. What are some possible problems with this feature? Problems with Congress (Legislative Branch) Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?

It had no power to collect state debts owed to the federal (national) government. The U.S. was unable to pay its debts! Examples: -The U.S. owed money to France, Holland, and Spain for loans made during the Revolutionary War. -The U.S. had not paid many of its own soldiers! Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Problems with Congress (Legislative Branch)

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Problems with President (Executive Branch) The nation did not have a President, or Chief Executive. What are some of the possible problems with this feature? White House

Why did the Articles of Confederation fail? Problems with Courts (Judicial Branch) The nation lacked a national court system. What are some of the possible problems with this feature? Supreme Court

A Fragile Union Read pgs in the skinny book – Constitutional Study Guide. Answer questions 1-8 on a piece of notebook paper. (You can use the back of your lecture questions if you want)

Exit Slip All of the following were considered weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation EXCEPT: A. A president with too much power. B. The absence of a judicial branch. C. Congress did not have the power to tax states. D. 9/13 states needed to pass a law.