Original Documents of American Government Today’s major standard: E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government. Declaration of Independence PA State Constitution

Today’s objectives: Analyze the ideas of the Declaration of Independence Describe the drafting of the first state constitutions and common features Review weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation Review differences and similarities between Virginia and New Jersey Plan Compare the major “compromises” of the Constitution E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Explain how Britain’s colonial policies contributed to colonist self-government London was basically in charge of defense and foreign affairs for the colonies as well as money and trade markets - All other aspects were left to self rule – until 1760 King George III became more firm – more taxes and trade restrictions E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Identify Steps that led to the growing colonial unity 1643 –New England Confederation 1754 – Albany Plan Stamp Act Congress - “No taxation without representation….” E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Compare the 1 st and 2 nd Continental Congresses. First Continental Congress (1774) – Congress sent a “Declaration of rights” to King George III…Decided to boycott all British goods…. Second Continental Congress (1775) – Created the Continental Army…wrote the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

The Second Continental Congress (1775) The Second Continental Congress was a body of representatives appointed by the legislatures of thirteen colonies. It met from May 10, 1775, to March 1, It adopted the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. During the American Revolution, it acted as the de facto national government of the United States by raising armies, directing strategy, appointing diplomats, and making formal treaties.

The Second Continental Congress (1775) OLIVE BRANCH PETITION In July of 1775 the colonies made a final offer of peace to Britain, agreeing to be loyal to the British government if it addressed their grievances (repealed the Coercive Acts, ended the taxation without representation). Rejected by Parliament, which in December 1775 passed the American Prohibitory Act forbidding all further trade with the colonies.

Thomas Paine: Common Sense

A British citizen, he wrote Common Sense, published on January 1, 1776, to encourage the colonies to seek independence. It spoke out against the unfair treatment of the colonies by the British government and was instrumental in turning public opinion in favor of the Revolution.

John Locke, Second Treatise of Government Wrote that all human beings have a right to life, liberty, and property Governments exist to protect those rights. Believed that government was based upon a "social contract" that existed between a government and its people. If the government failed to uphold its end of the contract by protecting those rights, the people could rebel and institute a new government.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Declaration of Independence

Independence Hall

New National Symbols

Analyze the ideas of the Declaration of Independence D.O.I.: Open letter from Thomas Jefferson to King George! Question to ponder: Who did TJ want to read this letter? E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Describe the drafting of the first state constitutions and common features Starting in January 1776 with New Hampshire the states adopted Constitutions laws setting out principles, structures and processes of Government E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Describe the drafting of the first state constitutions and common features Common features in all the Constitutions included: Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Civil Rights and Liberties Separation of Powers/Checks and balances E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Articles of Confederation The basics: – “a firm league of friendship” – All 13 States had to ratify, or approve, the document. – It took 3 ½ years to get all 13 to ratify E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Articles of Confederation Structure: – It only set up a unicameral Congress – Each state had (1) one vote in the Congress regardless of size or wealth – NO executive or judicial branch Powers of Congress – Make war and peace – Send and receive ambassadors – Make treaties; build a navy; raise an army – Settle disputes among the states; E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Articles of Confederation Weaknesses – One vote for each state regardless of size – Congress powerless to lay taxes – No national courts to interpret laws – 9/13 majority to pass laws – 13 for 13 for any amendments Problems with the Articles – need for a stronger government – Meetings in Mount Vernon and Annapolis were set to find better ways to regulate commerce – Although turnout was poor some persisted and got the states to agree to meet at a convention in Philadelphia – which became the Constitutional Convention E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Creating the Constitution – the writers Many had fought in the Revolution Were remarkably young (average age of 42) Many had attended college in a nation with few Two would be President (Washington and Madison) 39 had been members of the Continental Congress or Congress of the Confederation Worked in secret to protect against undue influence E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Creating the Constitution – Differences in the main plans Virginia Plan – Bicameral Legislature (House of representatives and Senate) – Representation by population or contribution to National Government – Strong National Power – Single executive (President) – Supreme Court (1 or more) chosen by Congress New Jersey Plan – Unicameral Congress of the Confederation – Equal representation for all states – States have strong power – Group of “Presidents” – Single Supreme Court chosen by the President E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Creating the Constitution – Similarities in the main plans 3 Branches of Government – Legislative, Executive, Judicial Congress retained powers under the Articles of Confederation President chosen by the Congress E – Analyze the principles and ideals that shape the United States and compare them to documents of government.

Compromises Describe the following compromises of the Constitutional Convention: Connecticut (Great) Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise