1. Can you beat Ross at Chandler’s dumb states game?
Watch the video clip!

2. How many states can you name in 6 minutes?

3. Enquiry Question: How significant is the US Constitution?

4. Learning Outcomes To understand the history of the American revolution
To explain why the Articles of Confederation failed
To analyse the impact of the constitutional convention

5. Crash Course: American Revolution
What caused the American Revolution?
Why were the British defeated?
What were the consequences of the American victory?
*History of USA handout to support
Crash Course: American Revolution

6. Learning Outcomes To understand the history of the American revolution
To explain why the Articles of Confederation failed
To analyse the impact of the constitutional convention

7. How was the USA governed after the revolution?
During and after the American Revolutionary War, the government of the new country operated under the Articles of Confederation.
While these Articles got the young nation through its war with England, they weren't of much use when it came to running a country.
So, the founding fathers decided try their hand at nation-building, and they created the Constitution of the United States.
Use the video clip to answer the questions.

8. How did the convention come together?
What were some of the compromises that had to be made?
What was Shays' Rebellion?
What were the Federalist Papers?
What is the “elite vs rabble dynamic” of the houses of congress?
What is an anti-federalist?

9. What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation
“Each state keeps ‘its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right not expressly delegated to the United States in Congress assembled.’ In other words, every state was as independent as possible with the United States was responsible for the common defense, security of liberties, and the general welfare.”
- Martin Kelly
To this effect, the Articles were purposely written to keep the national government as weak as possible. However, there were many problems that soon became apparent as the Articles took effect.

10. Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
YOUR TASK:
Read the Articles of Confederation.
Highlight or underline the elements that would make this government weak.
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Each state only had one vote in Congress, regardless of size.
Congress had not have the power to tax.
Congress did not have the power to regulate foreign and interstate commerce.
There was no executive branch to enforce any acts passed by Congress.
There was no national court system.
Amendments to the Articles of Confederation required a unanimous vote.
Laws required a 9/13 majority to pass in Congress.

11. Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
States argued
No financial support for nat gov
Nat = powerless to enforce law/acts it passed
States = bilateral agreements with foreign govs + military + currency
Economic instability
Shays’ Rebellion – protest (debt + economic chaos)
Nat go – unable to gather military from states
Economic weakness + military weakness = questioning nat gov
Some states met to deal with trade and economic problems
Need for strong nat gov became apparent
More states became interesting in changing Articles
Meeting set up – 25th May 1787 in Philadelphia (Constitutional Convention)

12. Learning Outcomes To understand the history of the American revolution
To explain why the Articles of Confederation failed
To analyse the impact of the constitutional convention

13. In what ways were the Articles and Constitution different?
Read both documents to help you!
Details Congress’ rights and duties
Congress has power over military
Foundational governing document
Only government can send and receive ambassadors
Details Congress’ rights and duties
Congress has power over military
Foundational governing document
Only government can send and receive ambassadors
Laid foundations for Confederate Government
Unicameral government
Requires unanimous ratification
No president
Laid foundations for Confederate Government
Unicameral government
Requires unanimous ratification
No president
Laid foundation for federal government
Bicameral legislature
Requires 9 states for ratification
President

14. What was the impact of the Constitutional Convention?
Short Term Effects
Establishment of three branches of government
Strong central government
Establishment of federalism
Long Term Effects
Increased confidence in national government
Debates over states' rights

15. Learning Outcomes To understand the history of the American revolution
To explain why the Articles of Confederation failed
To analyse the impact of the constitutional convention

16. YOUR TASK:
Read the USA in statistics hand out.
What assumptions can you make about the USA based on this data?

17. Homework
Application Task: N/A Flipped Learning Preparation Task: Reading and Note Taking: Nature of the US Constitution (Edexcel Politics for AS & A Level, Pearson p ) Stretch & Challenge Task History.com – Articles of Confederation