1. Early U.S History: Establishing the Role of the United States Government (1776-1830s)

2. Declaration of Independence 1776
Influenced by the European enlightenment (based on reasoning/science versus traditional religious views)
Philosophers: Locke, Rousseau, Montesquieu, Paine
The Declaration was written by Thomas Jefferson
Basic ideas:
All humans have natural rights
Government’s power comes from the people
People have the rights to abolish government if it does not serve the people’s needs
Was the phrase “all men are created equal” of the Declaration true during this time period? Explain.

3. Articles of Confederation: America’s first national constitution (1777-1781)
Focused on state’s rights*- states have more power than the federal government
Problems with the Articles (weak central government)*-
no power to tax, unanimous vote, no executive branch, no national army, no judicial, and no enforcement of laws
Shays Rebellion* -
Massachusetts farmers rebelled over tax, government under Articles could not raise army, rebellion went on, showed fatal flaw in articles and Federal Government
Why did the founding fathers create their 1st government with strong state power instead of central govt?

4. Constitutional Convention –Video 1787
Founding fathers got together at this convention to fix the problems of the Articles of Confederation, but ended up drafting a new government
Major compromises at the convention:
Great Compromise* - resolved dispute over representation in the legislative branch, created House of Representatives based on population (large states), and Senate, based on equal representation (small states).
3/5 Compromise: Agreed that slaves would be represented as 3/5 of one white person.
Draw 2 pictures to represent both of the compromises above.

5. Struggles over Ratification of the Constitution
Federalists* - supported a strong central government
Anti-federalists* - favored a weaker central government and strong states, argued for the Bill of Rights to be included in the Constitution
What is the major argument between Feds and Anti Feds?

6. Bill of Rights Key Amendments:
1st Amendment* - speech, religion, press, assembly and petition
4th Amendment* - search and seizure
5th & 6th Amendments* - trial rights such as right not to self-incriminate, due process, double jeopardy and the right to an attorney
10th Amendment* - powers not specifically given to the national government belong to the States and the people
Which of the Bill of Rights do you think is most important and why?

7. Presidency of George Washington (1789-1797)
Precedence*- 2 terms, 1st cabinet
Farewell address - stay away from foreign alliances because they will lead us into wars and beware of a two party system for it will divide the nation
On a scale of 1-10 how well do you think the nation followed Washington’s advice? Why do you think we did that?

8. Creation of the First Political Parties
Federalists: supporters of strong central government)
Consisted of wealthier people: merchants, bankers, landowners
Believed in government by and for the “rich, well-born, and able.” Distrusted the common people
Loose interpretation of the Constitution
Founding Fathers:
George Washington
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Adams
Anti-Federalists: supporters of strong state government)
Consisted of the common people: farmers, small shop keepers, city workers.
Believed in government by capable leaders, government should work for the common people
Strict interpretation of the Constitution
Founding Fathers:
Thomas Jefferson
Which side would you support? Why?

9. Establishment of the federal system through the Marshall Court
Supreme Court Case
Marbury v. Madison* - established “Judicial Review”
Judicial review* - allows the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of a law (checks and balances)
Draw a picture to represent judicial review.

10. Jacksonian Democracy (1829-1837)
Positives
Negatives
Known as a common man and war hero
First president to come from a poor family (although he became very rich)
Increased democracy by removing land qualifications for voting.
Ordered Native American Removal (Trail of Tears) against Supreme Court decisions
Vetoed more bills than any other presidents combined
Nicknamed “King Andrew”
Owned many slaves
Do you think the term “Jacksonian Democracy” is a contradiction? Why?