The Articles of Confederation – our 1 st Constitution 1777 adopted, not ratified until 1781 (all 13 states) What was the hold up? A unicameral Congress – 9 out of 13 to pass a law, 13 out of 13 to amend. Representatives were frequently absent. Congress could declare war, but did not have authority to tax or raise armies. No executive or judicial branches, no federal court system Voting rules varied from state to state

State Constitutions Republicanism and Natural Rights Most had strong governors with veto power. Most had bicameral legislatures. Property required for voting. Some had universal white male suffrage. Most had bills of rights. Many had a continuation of state- established religions while others disestablished religion.

Criticisms of Articles 1.One vote for each state, regardless of size 2.Congress was powerless, no real power a.Could not tax, states avoided paying share of the national debt --- Depression b.Could not regulate foreign, interstate commerce --- Inexpensive goods from Britain 3.No executive branch to enforce laws 4.No judicial branch to interpret laws 5.Articles only created a “firm league of friendship,” not a unified country

Disputed Territorial Claims Between Spain & the U. S.:

State Claims to Western Lands

Land Ordinance of 1785

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 One of the major accomplishments of the Confederation Congress! Statehood achieved in three stages: 1. Congress appointed 3 judges & a governor to govern the territory. 2. When population reached 5,000 adult male landowners  elect territorial legislature. 3. When population reached 60,000  elect delegates to a state constitutional convention.

The United States in 1787

The Road to Philadelphia Annapolis Convention (1786) 12 representatives from 5 states [NY, NJ, PA, DE, VA] GOAL  address barriers that limited trade and commerce between the states. Call a meeting in Philadelphia Shays Rebellion Daniel Shays, Western MA – attack federal arsenal Small farmers angered by crushing debts and taxes. MA militia put down rebellion

Shays’ Rebellion: There could be no stronger evidence of the want of energy in our governments than these disorders. -- George Washington

The Seal of the U.S.A.

The Constitutional Convention Details: –The Virginia Plan –The New Jersey Plan –The Connecticut Plan –The Great Compromise –The 3/5 Compromise –Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Ratification debate The Federalist Papers

The Constitutional Convention

Preamble

The Bill of Rights