1. “The Nation’s First Governments”

2. Urge for Self Government

3. Urge for Self Government
A “constitution” is a detailed, written plan for government.
By 1780, the remaining colonies also followed their lead.

4. Urge for Self Government
New Hampshire will become the 1st colony to organize as a “state”.
They created a “constitution” for their new state months before independence was declared.

5. New Governments
These early governments created legislatures to create laws.
Most were “bicameral”, meaning they were divided into TWO houses or parts.

6. New Governments
Each state had a governor who was elected by the legislature or the people.
The governors were to carry out the laws.

7. New Governments Finally, a system of judges and courts were created.
The courts were to interpret the laws and decide how they should be applied.

8. Massachusetts??? Split power among 3 branches.
Governor could “check” power of legislature.
State constitution created by elected delegates, then approved by citizens.

9. Need for Unity

10. Need for Unity
If the colonies were to be successful against Great Britain, it was imperative that they stand united.
13 separate states would be easily conquered by Britain.

11. “Articles of Confederation”

12. “Articles of Confederation”
The “Articles of Confederation” was the first attempt at a constitution for the United States.
A “confederation” is a group of individuals (or governments) who band together for a common purpose.

13. Problems Quickly Begin!

14. Problems Quickly Begin!
The “Articles of Confederation” created a one house legislature, with each state having one vote.
BUT, it had no power to enforce laws or collect taxes!

15. Problems Quickly Begin!
1781, all 13 states had “ratified”, or approved, the constitution.
But to pass any laws, 9 of the 13 states had to agree.
To “amend”, or change, any parts required a unanimous vote!

16. It seemed like THIS…

17. But it is really THIS!!

18. Looks good, but no real power!

19. Revolutionary War

20. Revolutionary War
In 1783, the “United States” defeats Great Britain after 7 years of war.
The “Treaty of Paris” ends the conflict.
The new Congress found itself deep in debt (as did the states).

21. Shay’s Rebellion ( )

22. Shay’s Rebellion ( )
In Massachusetts, a farmer named Daniel Shay led over 1,200 farmers on a raid against a federal arsenal.
Shay was protesting the seizure of his farm by the government.

23. Return to Philadelphia
After the rebellion, 12 states agreed to return to Philadelphia to revise the “Articles of Confederation”.
Their goal was to create a stronger central government.

24. George Washington’s Advice
“I do not conceive we can exist long as a nation without having lodged somewhere a power, which will pervade the whole Union.”