Section 3 Enlightenment and Revolution The Articles of Confederation Colonists had to learn to work together, form new government First government established by Articles of Confederation, approved 1781 National government made deliberately weak to avoid abuses of power Government had no power to tax, could not negotiate with foreign nations Articles produced government too weak to govern effectively Delegates met at Constitutional Convention, 1787, to revise Articles Instead wrote Constitution George Washington presided over convention James Madison negotiated main points The Constitution Constitution created federal system of government Certain powers reserved to federal government, others for states Three branches of government: executive, judicial, legislative System of checks and balances Federal System Forming a New Government

Section 3 Enlightenment and Revolution Forming a New Government Influence of Enlightenment thought on Constitution very powerful –Founding principle, government exists for the people –Reflected Locke’s and Rousseau’s idea of government by consent of people –Division of government into three branches reflected Montesquieu’s idea of separation of powers

Section 3 Enlightenment and Revolution Impact of American Government News of successful American revolution impacted other governments Although French King Louis XVI supported Americans, France experienced own revolution, 1789 America had shown it was possible to oppose tyranny Soldiers’ courage, Constitution framers’ wisdom, shining examples The Bill of Rights Opponents to Constitution said it failed to protect citizen’s rights Wanted protection of individual’s rights added to Constitution Congress added Bill of Rights, first 10 amendments to Constitution Protected natural rights advocated by Voltaire, Locke, Rousseau

Section 3 Enlightenment and Revolution

Section 3 Enlightenment and Revolution Video The Impact of the Declaration of Independence Click above to play the video.