1. 1-4: The Articles of Confederation and Constitutional Convention

2. Big Ideas: Liberty and Order Constitutionalism

3. Enduring Understandings:
A balance between governmental power and individual rights has been a hallmark of American political development.
The Constitution emerged from the debate about the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation as a blueprint for limited government.

4. Learning Objectives:
Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the U.S. Constitution.
Explain the relationship between key provisions of the Articles of Confederation and the debate over granting the federal government greater power formerly reserved to the states.

5. Articles of Confederation
“League of Friendship”
Weaknesses
No power to tax
No executive
No power to wage war
Supermajorities
Unanimous amendments
Shays’ Rebellion

6. Philadelphia Convention
55 delegates attended—all elites
Original purpose—revise Articles of Confederation
Abandoned idea
Formed new government
National sovereignty

7. Shared Ideas Human Nature Source of Political Conflict
People are selfish
Source of Political Conflict
Unequal distribution of property
Neither faction should be able to prevail
Purpose of Government
Protect property
Feared “excessive democracy”
Government should be limited
Benjamin Franklin underscored the self-centered nature of humans when he said, “There are two passions which have a powerful influence on the affairs of men: the love of power and the love of money.”