1. The Constitution

2. The Road to Revolution Colonists more free tan most of mankind
British only governed foreign policy and trade
Most left to colonial government
British taxed colonies more due to seven years war
Lacked representation in parliament
First continental congress Sept 1774

3. Declaring Independence
Thomas Paines’ Common Sense
Declaration of Independence
Authored by Thomas Jefferson
Set forth a democratic creed

4. The English Heritage: The Power of Ideas
John Locke
Natural rights- rights inherent of human beings, not dependent on government
Government must be built on the consent of the governed
Limited government, clear limit on what rulers can do
Governments sole purpose to protect natural rights
Government must provide standing laws
Supreme power cannot take property without consent
In extreme cases have right to revolt against leaders

5. The American Creed
“self evident” that men were equally “endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights,” including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
New political ideas formed in the “first new nation”
Each person more important as an individual
Consent of governed made exercise of political power legitimate

6. Winning Independence
Somehow an army of 5,000 men beat the greatest military might in the world
Hard fought war

7. The “conservative” Revolution
American Revolution was a more conservative revolution compared to the French, and Russian Revolution
Way of life did not alter much for the colonists
No need for social, economic, or political upheaval
Were not oppressed people with imperial shackles to throw off

8. Articles of Confederation
Established a perpetual Union among the 13 states
No federal government
No president, no federal courts, limited legislature
Feared a strong central government would have tyrannical rule
Got so bad that at one point Washington’s troops threatened to create a monarchy with Washington as king
Little power, little money, no ability to tax
Had to dissolve army due to lack of funds
States had all the power

9. Changes in the States
Many states adopted bill of rights to protect freedoms and abolish religious qualifications to hold office
Brought to power a new middle class
Granted most power to state legislatures
Legislatures elected governors and could overturn court decisions
Unleashed egalitarian tendencies

10. Economic Turmoil Postwar depression Farmers in risk of foreclosure
“Force acts”
Policies created favoring debtors vs creditors
Shays’ Rebellion
Farmers rebel who lost land to creditors
States and federal government had no money for militia so paid for by elite