1. Constitution

2. Declaration of Independence
Signed in 1776 proclaimed the right of the American colonies separate from Great Britain.
State loyalty over national government
So what comes next for the now sovereign states?

3. Need for Government! Articles of confederation Coin money
establish peace relations with the Native Americans
Required each state 1 vote in its continental congress
Required 9 states to pass any sort of vote
Establish trade with foreign nations

4. What could go wrong?
Problems all stem from idea that the Articles of Confederation was a weak central government:
Trade problems
Boundary issues
Money issues
Articles of Confederation Ice Cube Tray!

5. How do we fix this? Constitutional Convention
Virginia Plan (big) vs. New Jersey Plan (small)
Which will prevail?

6. Neither!... Need for Compromise
Mix and match from each plan:
1 house of legislature with Rep’s elected by the people; 1 representative for every 30,000 people. (rep’s based on population!)
House that has the power to originate bills for raising and spending money
1 house of legislature with Rep’s selected by the state legislature. Each state has an equal amount of rep’s
Divide power between national and state government
National law is to be supreme!

7. Things aren’t so peachy after all!
Great Compromise solves most problems but still leaves some states concerned.
Three fifths compromise
Shays Rebellion

8. Executive Branch How would this one person executive be selected?
How long would their term be?
Electoral College
Removal process
House of Representatives responsibility
Senate’s responsibility