3. During the Constitutional Era, the Americans made two attempts to establish a workable government based on republican principles.During the Constitutional Era, the Americans made two attempts to establish a workable government based on republican principles. American politicians were afraid of having a central government like that of England so they created the Articles of Confederation at the end of Revolutionary War.American politicians were afraid of having a central government like that of England so they created the Articles of Confederation at the end of Revolutionary War.

4. During the Revolution each colony drafted their own Constitution, so that when the war was over they would each have a system of government in place.

5. George Washington was president of the Convention. Seldom participated in debates; however, was highly respected by his peers.George Washington was president of the Convention. Seldom participated in debates; however, was highly respected by his peers.

6. James Madison –James Madison – “Father of the Constitution” - A Virginian, philosopher, and debater. He often led and kept notes about the debates at the Constitutional Convention. - A Virginian, philosopher, and debater. He often led and kept notes about the debates at the Constitutional Convention. - He wrote the “Virginia Plan,” which proposed a federal government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. - He wrote the “Virginia Plan,” which proposed a federal government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. - Madison also drafted the amendments that became our Bill of Rights. - Madison also drafted the amendments that became our Bill of Rights.

7. Virginia’s State Constitution was better than most!! George Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights, detailing specific rights of citizens, which became the model for the Declaration of Independence and the first ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.George Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights, detailing specific rights of citizens, which became the model for the Declaration of Independence and the first ten Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. He stressed that basic human rights should not be violated by the government.He stressed that basic human rights should not be violated by the government.

8. Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom First Amendment to the Constitution Written by Thomas Jefferson Outlawed the established church – government could not favor one church over another.

9. Articles of ConfederationArticles of Confederation –Congress had no power to tax, regulate commerce, or raise armies –source of power - individual states –each state had only one vote regardless of their size –amendments must be unanimously agreed upon –no provisions for executive or judicial branches –no common currency

10. The U.S. Constitution established a government that shared powers between the state and national government. Made sure state rights were protected and set up amendments to the Constitution when changes needed to be made.The U.S. Constitution established a government that shared powers between the state and national government. Made sure state rights were protected and set up amendments to the Constitution when changes needed to be made.

11. ConstitutionConstitution –Federal law was the supreme law, but states were given the right to govern themselves –powers to tax and create armed forces –shared power between states and federal government

12. –Senate with two senators and a House of Representatives, membership based on population. *Slaves were counted as three- fifths of the population when counting for representatives –Three branches of government – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial (Check and Balances) –Federal powers were limited to what the Constitution stated.

13. Two Virginians also led the Constitutional Convention James Madison was aligned with Hamilton and the Federalists early on and was the principle architect of the Constitution. As a member of the House of Representatives, he drafted the Bill of Rights and introduced it in the first Congress.

14. Federalists v. Anti-Federalists The FederalistsThe Federalists –favored the Constitution –Articles had to be abandoned –Strong central government and curb the power of states –no need for bill of rights –large republic could safeguard personal freedoms –supporters included commercial farmers, merchants, shippers and those who held national debt Major supporters were George Washington and James Madison

15. The Anti-federalistsThe Anti-federalists –Feared too much power going to the central government –opposed the constitution –wanted to amend the Articles –power of states is paramount –threats to individual liberties - must have a bill of rights –only small republics can protect rights –supporters included state-centered politicians and backcountry farmers The opponents to the ratification were Patrick Henry and George Mason.

16. Anti – Federalists agreed to ratify (approve) the Constitution as long as the Federalists pledged to make a Bill of Rights as the First Amendments to the Constitution They did not want anyone to give up their rights.

17. Debate between Federalists and Anti-federalists Federalists: more direct representation does not require citizens to be protected against themselves Anti-federalists: to protect against tyranny Madison drafts a list First ten amendments Ratified by Congress 1791 BILL OF RIGHTS

19. Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Strongholds at the End of the War

20. Ratification of the Constitution