1. Constitution
Chapter 1
Section 3

2. Early U.S. Government
People believed they were members of a state, not a nation
Each state wanted to be separate of each other
Burned by British control and wanted control themselves
13 States

3. Articles of Confederation
Adopted in 1781
Many weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation which made for a weak government
Many wanted it that way!
Eventually, leaders realized they needed more of a balance between state and federal power

4. Creation of the Constitution
Delegates met at the Constitutional Convention to discuss
James Madison: Father of the Constitution
September 17, 1787: Final draft of the Constitution approved creating a balance between a federal and state government
Three branches established

5. Three Branches of Government
Legislative: Makes laws
House of Representatives
Senate
Executive: Carry out laws
Judicial: Interprets laws
System of CHECKS AND BALANCES
MME Handout
Page 40

6. Ratification of the Constitution
Supporters: Federalists
Opposers: Anti-Federalists
Demanded the Bill of Rights, ensuring basic freedoms of the American people
Bill of Rights-Amendments 1-10
Total of 27 Amendments—last one ratified 1992
George Washington: First President
John Adams: First Vice-President

7. Michigan Department of Education High School Content Expectations, U.S. History and Geography
F1.1b
F1.1c
F1.2a
F1.2b