1. Forming a New Government

2. Articles of Confederation- first plan of government that said the states would keep their freedom and independence. States would join in a “firm league of friendship”. Congress- could not pass laws to collect taxes to run the government. Only one branch-legislative branch to pass laws. Ratify- to approve something.

3. The government was powerless in dealings with other countries. Congress could not make laws to trade with other countries.

4. Government was taxing property. These taxes were hard on farmers. States would take their farms and put farmers who owed money in jail

5. Divided the Northwest Territory into smaller territories. Described how these territories could become states.

6. Shay’s Rebellion- showed leaders the Articles of Confederation wasn’t working. Meeting was held in Philadelphia to change this plan of government.

7. Delegate- a person representing other people from their colony. Most agreed that the national government must be made stronger.

8. Virginia Plan: Executive Branch- to carry out the laws Judicial Branch- interprets or decides what laws mean. Larger states should have more delegates or representatives. (upset smaller states)

9. New Jersey Plan: All states would have the same number of delegates or representatives.

10. Great Compromise: Congress would have two parts: Senate: every state would have two. House of Representatives: number of delegates would be based on population. Three-Fifths Compromise- 3 out of 5 slaves would be counted as part of a state’s population.

11. A plan of government. Checks and Balances: guards against one branch from becoming too powerful. Veto: refuse to sign into law.

12. Federalists- people who supported the Constitution Antifederalists- people who were against the Constitution. James Madison- “Father of the Constitution”

13. First ten amendments to the Constitution States wanted this added to protect and guarantee freedoms. Amendment- change or addition to the Constitution.