The Road to the Constitution U.S. History

Early State Governments Following the Revolution, each state created it’s own government and constitution. All states were republics in which people elected representatives. Disagreement over how much power the “common man” should have.

Early Legislatures Unicameral Legislature Single house Members elected by the people More power for the people Bicameral Legislature Two Houses w/ strong governor House of Representatives=will of the people Senate=will of the wealthy, educated

The Articles of Confederation The first attempt at a constitution for all states. Loose alliance of 13 states rather than a strong and centralized nation. Gave individual states sovereignty (independence)…national government was not strong under A.O.C. Each state had one vote/ no President Powers given to Congress were external, not internal (declare war, relations with Native Americans)

What about new territory? Territory that belonged to the U.S. but was largely uninhabited by settlers…what about NA? Land Ordinance of 1785 divided land into townships and sections. Northwest Ordinance of 1787 provided a system of govt. for the new territory. Once population reached 60,000, could apply for statehood.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation After a short time, it became obvious that the A.O.C. had some major weaknesses. Could not tax= debt Could not regulate trade Each state had only one vote, regardless of size No courts No executive branch Too difficult to pass laws