1. 2.3 wrap up

2. Confederation Experiment
What is the basis for a republic?
A govt. in which citizens rule through their elected govt. Power in the hands of elected leaders
How did the confederation form?
2nd Continental Congress created Articles of Confederation. Plan to establish an alliance.
What were some of the problems that the confederation encountered?
States too independent, population representation, lack of ability to change government (full consent needed), foreign debts, and taxes

3. Weakness of the Articles
Congress could not enact and collect taxes
Each state had only one vote in congress, regardless of population
9 out of 13 states needed to agree to pass any law
Articles could be amended only if all states approved
No executive branch to enforce laws of congress
No national court system to settle legal disputes
13 separate states that lack unity

5. Drafting a Constitution
What role did nationalists play in the strengthening the government?
Shay’s Rebellion and farmers loses prompted states to give in on fear of uprising from lack of a centralized govt.
How did conflict lead to compromise?
Bicameral (two house) legislature, with membership based on each states population.
Small states back the New Jersey Plan with equal representation
Leads to compromise: Great Compromise – creates Senate and House of Reps, and 3/5 Compromise appeases the southern states
3 branches of government

7. Creating a new government
How was power divided local and nationally?
National has delegated powers: to control foreign affairs, regulating trade between states.
States have reserved powers: such as provide and supervise education
Both share right to tax, and establish courts
How were powers separated?
3 branches of government prevents any one from becoming too powerful
How does the system of checks and balances work?
Open your BOOKS!! Page 97
How can the constitution be changed?
Delegates create and “enduring document”, meaning it is flexible and can stand the test of time. Change can happen through the amendment process – turn to page 98

9. Ratifying the Constitution
Federalists vs antifederalists, what was their argument?
Federalists support the constitution and balance of power between states and national govt.
Anti-federalists oppose a strong central government – want more individual rights
What is the bill of rights? Who was the driving force behind them?
At first the constitution had no guarantee of individual rights
Anti-federalists push for Bill of Rights
What amendments make up the Bill of Rights?
First 10

10. James Madison – architect of the Bill of Rights

12. Bill of Rights
1st amendment – freedom of religion, speech, press and political activity
2nd & 3rd – protect citizens from the threat of standing armies – right to bear arms & no housing of troops in citizens homes
4th – prevents search of citizens homes without proper warrants
5th – 8th – guarantees fair treatment of individuals accused of crimes
9th – people rights not restricted
10th – Powers still held by people and states that are not automatically given to the central govt.

13. Relevance of the Constitution
What is a living document?
A document capable of meeting the changing needs of Americans
What is the “elastic clause”? How does it aid the government?
It stretches the power of the government. Framers included this to allow the govt. to expand its authority to meet any unforeseen circumstances.
Why does the constitution have such broad language?
Allows the document to be interpreted to fit the problems at hand. Not have to be amended so much.

14. 2.4
Intro/wrap up

15. Washington What was the Judiciary Act of 1789
Spelled out details for creating a federal court system. Set up Supreme Court and federal and district courts.
Also guaranteed that federal laws would remain the “supreme law of the land”
How did Washington shape the executive branch?
3 executive departments created – State, War, Treasury
Attorney General position created
Becomes the presidential “cabinet”
How did Jefferson and Hamilton differ? Why appoint them if you are Washington? (page 80 – GO THERE NOW!!! OR ELSE!!)
Hamilton wants a strong central govt., commerce and industry were keys to a strong nation
Jefferson wants strong state and local govt. – rooted in popular participation. Favored a society of farmer-citizens
What was Hamilton’s economic plan?
Take on state debt as national debt. National bank. No provisions for this in constitution. Bank allowed in exchange for new capital to DC

16. Two-party system

17. First Political Parties
What were the first two political parties? How did they differ?
Federalists – support Hamilton, northerners, support central government
Democratic-Republicans – Support Jefferson, southerners, states rights
What was the outcome of the Whiskey Rebellion?
Federal govt. could control domestic issues

18. Foreign Affairs What was the outcome of the treaty with Spain in 1795?
Spain gave up all claims to land east of the Mississippi and recognized the 31st parallel as the northern boundary of Florida. Open the Mississippi River to American traffic.
Important BECAUSE: It paved way for US expansion west.

19. Native Americans resist
Battle of Fallen Timbers
What prompted Jay’s Treaty, and who was John Jay?

20. Adam’s provokes criticism
How did the XYZ affair come about?
What was the purpose of the Alien and Sedition Act?
What were the outcomes of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions?