Our First Constitution—the Articles of Confederation ( ) So, what were the Articles, what kind of government did they establish, and what was so wrong with them that they had to be replaced?

Okay, what’s a confederation again? A group of states loosely tied together Weak central govt Strong state governments

Articles of Confederation ( ) 13 states operated like semi- independent countries Agreed to cooperate on some things

The Articles of Confederation ( ) Only one weak branch of government— No chief executive No national judicial branch How many branches of government were there in this first government of the U.S.? a nearly powerless congress

Why did the Articles Fail? States quarreling VulnerabilityVulnerability

Why Did the Articles Fail? Shay’s Rebellion

Constitutional Convention When: May-Sept Where: Philadelphia, PA

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Key Figures President of the Convention: George Washington “Father of the Constitution”: James Madison

Which of these Founding Fathers Attended the Convention? Not There: Thomas Jefferson John Adams Patrick Henry Definitely There: Benjamin Franklin Alexander Hamilton John Adams, Patrick Henry, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson

Article I of the Constitution Creates a Legislative Branch (Congress) to make laws Congress has two parts: --House of Representatives (based on population) --U.S. Senate (2 per state) Powers of Congress --to regulate commerce --declare war --taxation --approves/disapproves president’s treaties

Article II of the Constitution Sets up an Executive Branch (President) Qualifications Election process—Electoral College Powers of the President --commander-in-chief --can sign/veto laws --makes treaties with other nations

Article III of the Constitution Sets up a national Judicial Branch Creates Supreme Court, Other federal courts Term of office Can rule that acts of Congress and/or the president are unconstitutional

“Checks & balances”

Check for Understanding: Answer on your note paper What was the U.S. government like under the Articles of Confederation? How did Shay’s Rebellion make people realize that the Articles of Confederation were ineffective?

Summary At first, the Founding Fathers purposely created a weak government—the Articles of Confederation-- to protect hard-won freedoms It soon became clear for many reasons that a much stronger government was needed The Constitution was—and is—the plan of government that the Founding Fathers created